Walking Tall In Tough Times

WALKING TALL

IN

TOUGH TIME

AN EVERYDAY GUIDE TO DEALING WITH EVERYDAY CHALLENGES…

FROM CHANNELS AWARD WINNING AUTHOR

GREAT IGWE

..WEGI PUBLISHING HOUSE. NEW YORK, MARYLAND

Walking Tall In Tough Times

© 2019 GREAT IGWE

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under The U.S Copyright Act of 1976. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

Unless otherwise noted, scriptures quotations are from the holy bible, new international version (NIV), ©1973, 1978, 1984 by the international Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scriptures quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James version, ©1979, 1980, 1982, 1984 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.

Published in Manhattan, New York by WEGI Publishing House,

WEGI Publishing House

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New York, NY 10004

www.WegiGroup.com

First Published 2019

ISBN: 978-1-7332803-0-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019909077

Printed in the United States of America.

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FORWARD

For many years, I have read four to five books per week as part of my devotional study and research practices. This is a helpful habit for a public speaker and preacher. Unfortunately, I have found that if I receive only one or two fresh ideas or new insights from a book; I have done well. This means that many weeks I spend $60 - $100 for four to eight new ideas or devotional inspirations.

Walking Tall in Tough Times, however, is an incredible treasure! Every chapter is chocked full of timely quotes, scripture references, and practical steps of action that can change any reader’s life. What a valuable resource! When I started reading this book, I realized that each chapter could be read as part of a daily devotional. In fact, even the quotes from famous historic figures are worth memorizing.

Therefore, I recommend that you start off by reading this work from cover to cover. Milk it for both content and encouragement. As you do, faith and revelation will rise up in your heart. Giant killing faith will inspire you and begin to permeate your life. After your read first, I would re-read the chapters that address the greatest needs. As a diagnostic tool, it will lead you through a process of strengthening and building your faith.

Great Igwe has written a classic work that is easy to read and to digest. I recommend setting aside prayer sessions to go along with the reading. Just like working out with a trainer, getting the right diet and amount of rest, you’re bound to grow strong muscles. Prepare to be lovingly challenged; prepare to be changed. Don’t get side tracked until you’ve devoured this well written book. After finishing this work, you’ll boldly sing the words to the old hymn, We’ve come this far by faith.

I close this forward by stating the words to the song: We’ve come this far by faith!

Leaning on the Lord

Trusting in His Holy word

He’s never failed me yet.

Oh’ can’t turn around

We’ve come this far by faith

Don’t be discouraged when trouble comes into your life

He will bear your burdens oh

He will remove all the misery and strife

And that’s why

We’ve come this far by faith

Leaning on the Lord

Trusting in His Holy Word

He never failed me yet

Oh’ can’t turn around

We’ve come this far by faith

Just the other day

I heard a man say

He didn’t believe in God’s words

But I can truly say The Lord will make a way

Because he never failed me.

Bishop Harry Jackson Jr.

Senior Pastor, Hope Christian Church

Beltsville Maryland USA

PREFACE

Out of nowhere, the storms of life hit us without warning. The loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, loss of a job and properties. A terrible accident, illness or the failure of a business. This is tough challenges that people all over the world are being confronted with daily in their respective life. We don’t have the power to choose what happens to us, neither can we as humans choose the nature and severity of the problems and challenges that confronts us every day. But one thing we sure can do, and has the power to control is the way we respond to these challenges and how we fight through it. Life is like an ocean and every one of us are born sailors, sailing through this ocean. Everybody shall one day encounter a storm, be it the wealthy, the educated, the poor, the uneducated, the single or married, the sick or healthy. The storms of life is not a respecter of race, religion or country of birth, but rather the storms of life is a respecter of courage, boldness, persistent, firmness of purpose and positive attitude.

Walking tall in tough times, is a book that will certainly arm and spur you to take tough decisions and actions necessary to bring about a change in your life. It will also help you change your negative perceptions and response to the challenges you are going through and put you on a part to true success. The principles and practical steps that are outlined in this book is not based on head knowledge, but rather are founded on experiential knowledge and scriptural examples that will certainly leave you transformed. This book will undoubtedly stir you to leave your comfort zone to your rightful place of influence and power. It will forge you to become uncomfortable with mediocrity and average existence. Buckle up as I take you through this journey of self-freedom and reawakening. Happy read.

PRAISE FOR WALKING

TALL IN TOUGH TIMES

Great Igwe has masterfully weaved in this book a compass for standing taller than any circumstances the journey of life may throw at you. The indwelling peace that passes understanding creates calmness and serenity in the midst of chaos and storms of this world. Faith is the vehicle that delivers your inheritance in spiritual places to the physical realm and this book shows you the training that occurs in-between both stages. This will definitely strengthen your faith!

Pastor Princeton Anyim

Lead Pastor Christ Academy

Maryland USA.

We all face life challenges but how we approach these challenges is what makes us stand out. This book hits the nail on the head in that it gives guidance on overcoming these challenges and sets you apart as you walk tall. Like its author's name, it is a Great book that will surely get you going!

Amban Anjeh,

Career Specialist,

Morgan State University. Baltimore USA

Walking tall in tough times is electrifying and transformational. From one chapter to the next takes you on a Journey of truth and freedom. It is not just another Read it is a Revolution!!!!! Bound to happen to anyone that reads it. These things are written to stir up a passion in each of our lives for the tomorrow’s that hold great promise! This is a book of hope and triumph. It speaks of the more that God alone can offer.

Evangelist Keshia Freeland

Founder/ President loveaflame Intl.

"In a style somewhere between that of Myles Munroe and Joel Osteen, Great Igwe grounds a simple message of self-empowerment from biblical and personal experience… like popular preacher T.D Jakes, Great has a rare gift of reaching the weakest of men in a unique way I have never seen before. This lends authenticity to his words in this masterpiece.

Darwin Hobbs

Chief Editor, WEGI Publishing. New York

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project would not have been completed without the effort of some amazing and remarkable people who have labored night and day with me to bring this idea to reality. I like to appreciate members of the editorial team Clark Neon, Wu Chang and Joy Ehonwa. Furthermore, I like to appreciate everyone at WIGE Group for the awesome job they did through the publishing of this book. I also would like to acknowledge the effort of the graphic designer Mr Makmund, my dearest friend Evangelist Keshia Freeland for her words of encouragement and support, my Pastor and mentor Bishop Harry Jackson Jr for his teachings that has impacted my life immensely. My Paddy Paddy Chidera for her words of encouragement and support. My sister from another mother Patricia Anyanwu, who from day one have never stopped being there and cheering me up to keep pushing. Lastly I like to acknowledge my mum and siblings for their love, support and prayers. May God richly bless you all?

DEDICATION

For the strength and courage you have shown, the determination never to give up despite the hurt and heartbreak. The positive attitude you have maintained, the scars you bear which tells of your boldness and battles that you have fought. I dedicate this book to you for never giving up. You are my hero!

TABLE OF CONTENT

Walking Tall In Tough Time

Forward

Preface

Praise For Walking Tall In Tough Times

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Introduction

Chapter One

There Is Success In Failure

Chapter Two

You Can Live A Worry-free Life

Chapter Three

A Little Smile Can Change A Lot

Chapter Four

Peace Amid Storms

Chapter Five

Unsinkable Faith

Chapter Six

Rise Up And Fight

Chapter Seven

Rise Up And Face Your Fear

Chapter Eight

Give Up On Giving Up

Chapter Nine

Anything Is Possible If You Believe

Chapter Ten

If They Can Do It, You Can

Chapter Eleven

You Matter

Chapter Twelve Practical Tools For Walking Tall In Tough Times

INTRODUCTION

Challenges are part of everyday life. They make us stronger and without them, life becomes somewhat meaningless because we have nothing to compare the good times to. Facing up to challenges and living through them gives us the experiences that make up our lives. However, it’s important to remember that, whatever the problem, there is almost always a solution, and an end to it. Have you ever thought how great it would be to live your life the way God intends you to? Lay aside all weight and excel in your area of calling, ministry, family and business!

Friend, you will inevitably face challenges and storms in every arena as you progress towards your destiny. Being a Christian does not exempt you from them, but they come for a good purpose. Be of good cheer and buckle up, because God has placed this book in your hands for a divine purpose; this is your time to be set free from any spiritual, social, financial or emotional bondage you are currently battling, or may confront in the future. This is your time to expand and claim your territory! Do not be a victim of the devil. Be a victor instead! Hear what God is saying.

There are spiritual tools to help you overcome the storms of life. Perhaps you have heard the saying, Into each life some rain must fall. Well, what if what you’re experiencing is more of a flood? I’ve observed that trials often come in numbers. People of faith know drizzles, but we also know full-blown storms.

When it is raining in my life, I like to turn to the story of Noah (Genesis 6-9:17). He knew a storm. In fact, he knew one that was so long and so strong that it virtually wiped out everything around him. Because Noah had no choice but to trust in God for his very survival, his story serves as powerful inspiration for us.

The thing that most impresses me about Noah is his faith. It’s often easy to think about our faith solely as an internal anchor when we hit hard times, but that wasn’t the case for Noah. His was accompanied by the building of a huge, physical ark. This external ark was illustrative of his internal life. It was a tribute to his obedience to God, the very thing that saved him. Just as Noah used everyday tools to build the ark, there are everyday spiritual tools that we can employ to successfully navigate adversity. These simple but practical tools are very rewarding if followed diligently, and will help us honor God in the midst of life’s storms:

1. Stand on God’s promises. Search the Bible for encouragement and promises particular to your situation and study these verses. Declare those promises aloud at least once daily, claiming them by faith. It’s not a coincidence that the ark was floating on water. At times scripture is our only solid ground to stand on; it can and will keep us afloat.

2. Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to pray continually. There are two ways this can play out. First, you can pray on your own to God throughout the day; an ongoing dialogue of sharing and listening to Him. God will faithfully give us specific guidance in order to save us, just as He did for Noah. Second, we can meet with one or more fellow believers to lift pressing concerns up to God in unity. Group prayer like this unleashes God’s Spirit in an amazing way.

3. Affirm your faith with praise. God delights in hearing our thanksgiving and praise, whether we have traveled through the storm, or we’re still going through it. Paul encourages each of us to always petition God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6) because he knew this principle well, having been beaten, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. Thanksgiving reminds us of the goodness of God and strengthens our faith.

4. Keep showing up. Great accomplishments begin and end with small steps. The massive ark was built one piece of wood at a time. Our daily faithfulness in small ways opens the door for God to do incredible things we cannot do. We must take tangible action to see changes happen.

5. Believe in miracles. Sometimes we hope for a miracle and it doesn’t happen. But sometimes we hope for a miracle and it does. Take the limits off of God. Open the door for Him to work.

The ark was built plank by plank, nail by nail. For us, this would be prayer by prayer, affirmation by affirmation. God’s presence will never leave us, so we are never without hope. He will see us through. After the rain, the sun will shine again. Note that when the storm ends, you won’t be where you started. You will be changed, just as the ark took Noah to a new location to start afresh. Trust the One who works all things for our good. Keep looking up, and you will see the rainbow.

This book will equip you with the principles that God has laid down for you to fight the good fight of faith by His strength, His Word and prayer. Isaiah 40:31 discloses how God operates when His children go through storms of life, stressing the significance of total surrender to His will and providence to help us endure.

Facing tough periods is a way to push ourselves and see what we are capable of through faith. Many people make their problems their defining inheritance. It’s all they think and talk about. They bring it up in every conversation and try their best to convince other people to believe and accept that they are going through a great tragedy which has rendered them helpless and so the reason for their failures in life, work, school, relationships and marriage, is their tragedy or challenges.

Countless people let their external situations get the better of them. They become slaves to their negative and depressive thoughts, and the more they validate those thoughts, the stronger they become. Soon enough, a year or three passes and the same people who were happy, healthy and productive, become depressed, tired and hopeless. Instead of seeing the things in the world around us that can be opportunities and tools which can help us in getting to a better place, we stay stuck and focused on the things which aren’t pleasing and gratifying to us.

While going through failures and traumatic events in life is hard, it’s important that we try to learn about our own selves through our darkest times and find hope in our ability to come out of tough times stronger, walking tall as role model of victory over life’s storms. Through this book I intend to reveal to you working tools and practical wisdom that will arm you to get through and find motivation in the darkest of the days, bearing in mind that nothing lasts forever.

This book will provoke you to these tough actions:

1. To hold on until the light breaks, the tides turn, and the times change for the better; to tenaciously dig in and bloom where you are planted, maintaining a cheerful attitude while you are going through such obviously difficult situations. In the process, you will inspire others to choose the noble and positive outlook.

2. To make a bold and daring move, recognizing an era has come to an end and beginning a creative transition. This book will surely get you started on the path to success again. While you can't control the economy or the other forces of change, you can position yourself to survive and even thrive in challenging times. Don't get caught unawares.

It is my desire to use this book to arm and prepare you for when those trying times come knocking at your door, because they certainly will.

Chapter One

THERE IS SUCCESS IN FAILURE

"Lord, give me the guidance to know when to hold on and when to let go and the grace to make the right decision with boldness and dignity."

— Robert Schuller

This could be the most important prayer you’ve ever prayed. Indeed, failure is the best thing that ever happened to you. You failed; I have failed too. Some have failed in their marriage, academics, career, relationship, ministry and some in parenting. The truth is that everyone on the planet has failed at some point. Some gave up after failing the first time. You failed once and you’re thinking about giving up? You are ready to join all the others and accept your fate?

It’s no secret that our worst fear is often failure. But what if failure is a good thing? Failure is success in progress, Albert Einstein once said. The great scientist was on to something. Encountering our fears and failures prompts the most necessary changes in our lives and our businesses. Here’s why every person, and every business, needs to fail at some point; failure is the very seed of growth and success.

1. Failure creates extraordinary change

Failure can act as a seed for two things: a road to despair or a springboard to growth. What grows out of the initial failure is entirely up to the person who failed. It’s easy to become downtrodden and lose motivation when things don’t go as planned. Instead, use the failure as a mechanism to reset your perspective, make a mental change or embark on a new, much-needed direction.

Failure is necessary to shake things up. Otherwise, we would coast along comfortably but we wouldn’t make any quantum leaps.

2. Failure builds tough skin

Failure has an effect similar to a calloused heel. It’s the protective layer we acquire from going around the block a few times and hitting a few bumps. Left soft and unprotected, we easily become injured. Failure builds a thick skin that can help anyone enter the big leagues without fear.

3. Failure keeps the ego in check

Remaining down to earth and honest is a challenge in today’s world. When we begin to experience constant success many resort to dishonesty if it means not losing what they have. They become slaves to success and before realizing it, they’ll do anything to stay on top, things they would never have imagined. Partnerships and friendships are ruined. Family conflicts abound. It’s all downhill from there, maybe except for the bank account. Failure humbles us when we so desperately need to be humbled. It helps us remember where we came from and keeps us in check.

4. Failure creates aha moments

Failure creates the moment when something is finally seen, found or understood in a way like never before. I call it the aha moment. Why?

It’s just like solving a complicated math problem. It’s tough to understand at first, but walk away for a moment and, suddenly, something clicks. The answer just comes out of nowhere. However, it’s not really coming from nowhere. It comes from a buildup within our minds as the constricting thoughts of failure and fear expand. The expansion results in an explosive energy that breaks us out of constriction and into a highly energetic, creative state when things become clear and new insight is gained.

5. Failure propels growth in a person

Failure prepares us for what lies ahead. Almost every day, entrepreneurs come across things they didn’t know they needed to know. Failures catalyze much of this knowledge because they are unexpected. How else do we learn what we don’t know we need to know? It’s never something that can be planned.

Failure — we all come in contact with it. And more often than not, we dread even entertaining the