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Overcoming All Odds
2
OVERCOMING
ALL
ODDS
Explore the Possibilities
AMBASSADOR STEVE MBUGUA
Overcoming All Odds
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OVERCOMING ALL ODDS
Kenya Copyright © 2018 by Theword Bookstores Publishers.
Ambassador Steve Mbugua.
P.O. Box 12092-00400 - Nairobi - Kenya
Tel. No. (254) 724036078
Email: info@ambstevembugua.co.ke
www.ambstevembugua.co.ke
Layout and design by Theword Bookstore Publishers.
Theword Printing Press.
Email: thewordbookstores@gmail.com
Cell phone (+254)723335887.
P.O Box 59119-00100 - NAIROBI, KENYA
© 2018, Ambassador Steve Mbugua. All rights reserved. No part
of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
written permission from the publisher.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the
Holy Bible, are from the New King James Version (NKJV), © 1979,
1980, 1982, 1984 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All
rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the
King James Version of the Holy Bible. Scripture quotations marked
(NASB) are from the New American Standard Bible®, NASB ®, ©
1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1988.
Overcoming All Odds
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to my most merciful
God for always working behind the scenes in my life.
My dearest and patient wife Kezia Mbugua, you are the rock of
my life. You are the best in this life, I thank God for you. Your
support in this assignment is beyond measure. You have been a
blessing every step of the way. To my gracious daughter Zannet
Mbugua and son Israel Bryton Mbugua; thank you for always
believing in me. You bring me tremendous joy and you are such
a blessing. God bless you. I thank all my spiritual sons and
daughters who have undergone my mentorship programs. You
all inspire me to do more.
I also want to thank the wider circle of faithful family and friends
whose encouragement and gifts of wisdom gave this story its
life. I owe a debt of gratitude to my father, mother and siblings.
I thank all my mentors and Pastors, this work is not just the great
achievement of one person but of many. It is with that in mind
that I realize the words inside this pages are inspired by many.
The prayers of others made this come true.
I thank Wycliffe Mije for working tirelessly on this book to make
the dream come true.
I want to thank all that have helped me in many unexplainable
ways. You inspired me to think on paper.
Once again I thank God through His grace I have this book for
you and to His Glory.
Overcoming All Odds
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DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to who wants to
overcome a challenge and those who
are stuck in the yoke of hardship,
discouragement and hopelessness.
If you believe in the beauty of your
dreams. You shall overcome.
I learned that courage was not the absence
of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave
man is not he who does not feel afraid, but
he who conquers that fear.”
(Nelson Mandela)
Overcoming All Odds
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgment 3
Dedication 4
Introduction 6
Chapter 1: Transition 9
Chapter 2: Let God take Charge 43
Chapter 3: Forgot the Past 48
Chapter 4: Let go the Errors and Let God 53
Chapter 5: Run your Race 58
Chapter 6: Your gift will make a Room for you 65
Chapter 7: Wherever your Heart is, there you find
your Treasure 70
Chapter 8: Young people have got a Mighty Power
to change the world 77
Chapter 9: He makes everything Beautiful at
the fullness of time 97
Chapter 10: Stir your Faith and Keep going 107
Chapter 11: Waiting Patiently 116
Chapter 12: You don’t have to Fight every Battle 126
Chapter 13: The secret of Intimacy with God 134
About the Author 144
Overcoming All Odds
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INTRODUCTION
nyone who has ever become anything worth writing home about
has had to handle fire and brimstone with naked hands, boldly
face all obstacles and adversities with courage and determination
to score handful of victories. One of the most horrible feelings is
being unfit and looking bulky. Shedding dozen kilograms, lowering the
cholesterol levels and reducing the BMI is serious work. You have to
endure regular and disciplined exercise, embrace new lifestyles and
moment of ridicule before you get that appealing body shape that is fit and
admired by many. Just as we develop our physical muscles through
overcoming opposition - such as lifting weights and regular exercise - we
develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.
These odds are very instrumental in shaping our character and personality
in pursuit of our destiny. Some of them leave scars, causes loss and paint
a groom picture of a hopeless destiny but faced with a positive attitude
they become a story of victory and a purpose full life. You shouldn't give
up. Fight for yourself and who you are. You've got to go through the worst
times in life to get the best. You’ve got to look at challenges with a victor’s
mentality. Purpose that the adversity will not leave you bitter but better.
The fire will not consume you but refine you to a pure and precious jewel.
I have been a member for many years of a Committee known as the
Nairobi Security group which comprises of a team of experts from Police,
Fire Brigade, UN security Council, National Disaster Management Unit, National
Disaster Operation Center, Ambulance companies among other safety and
security agencies and when sharing with the experts who you might think
are enjoying every bit of their living you realize that they all have a fair
share of tribulations that they go through. This includes even the
Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, Bishops and even the Presidents. Living
in the State House or riding a personal jet doesn’t guarantee you immunity
to pain and loss. Even the accomplished suffer setbacks sometimes. The
more bitter the lessons, the greater the successes will be. Although the
world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcomers. You have to Trace it!
Face it! Overcome it!
In my past writings more so in my Book Behind the Scenes, I have shared
many case studies on how I had to overcome odds in life to later realize
that there was a glorious outcome ahead. My life as street boy was a
preparation moment for me to receive the spirit of humanity and service
to mankind which today is a value that I live for. To be frustrated by my
A
Overcoming All Odds
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employers and supervisors was a catalyst for me to quit employment and
establish the now Busara Investment Group which has created opportunities
for many and impacted lives. Every single thing that has ever happened in
your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
Nothing just happens, be strong! Strive and overcome the odds.
You might disrespect, disregard and leave your current wife claiming she
does not look appealing but that lady which you don’t value can be taken
by another man, shown value and love that would make her a queen that
you will admire her from a distance and wish she was still yours.
A piece of land can be added value from a quarry to a beautiful mall.
Sometimes God will allow you to go through a rough path full of
adversities for you to get the shape that you will need to be effective as
you connect to your destiny. Sometimes God will allow you to lose
something valuable to you like a partner, family member, property,
business et cetera to give you something better in return. You don't realize
what you had until it's gone, but there is a reason for every goodbye.
God just chose a different path for you. You don’t have to hold too much
to the lost opportunities, properties and life that you miss the abundant
grace available to seize new opportunities to possess great things in store
for you. God not only gives us the best but the right. You might think that
a specific path is the best for you but God knows the right path that will
link you to your destiny. It might be a rough path full of adversities but
later it’ll give you the stamina that you require to conquer. He takes you to
the training ground where you might become a casualty but not succumb.
The greatest man on earth is the one who is able to conquer himself; to
conquer the obstacles, the pain, the hurts, the scars, the shame, the loss,
the fear and boldly face the future with zeal, passion, enthusiasm and
courage. He goes against all odds to conquer and win. Many times we are
our worst enemy. If we could learn to conquer ourselves, then we will have
a much easier time overcoming the obstacles that are in front of us. This
book is full of adversities that I had to overcome. I have also in my Books;
Dare Not Quit and Behind the Scenes, I had to encounter and overcome the
adversary to enjoy great victory. The tests we face in life's journey are not
to reveal our weaknesses but to help us discover our inner strengths.
We can only know how strong we are when we strive and thrive beyond
the challenges we face.
Sometimes the injuries and scars that we incur at the training ground
become our life if we take them that way. They hinder your progress when
you focus on the past, the good old stories of how you became a victim
Overcoming All Odds
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and lost. We do not have to carry the baggage of brokenness to our future.
The future is too bright to spoil it with rubbish of our past. You have to
learn to wear out the old shell and put up a new covering, a new energy,
zeal, attitude, passion and enthusiasm. Let go and let God is the way of
life! Everything happens for a reason because God plans your life for you
ahead of time. He sees the end from the beginning and lays a plan for your
life. Nothing is a surprise to the almighty God. Take it God's way.
No one on earth even the Grammy award winners live a life without
obstacles. Just like a big highway which will have bends, bumps, corners,
police check points and stop overs, life presents both smooth and wavy
pathways and it is for us to ride on focusing unto our dreams and great
destiny. We should not allow bumps to disrupt our journey to our destiny.
We need to be focused and overcome all odds that show up along the path.
Life is not always easy to live, but the opportunity to do so is a blessing
beyond comprehension. In the process of living, we will face struggles,
many of which will cause us to suffer and to experience pain. This pain,
loss, disappointment, disgraces and brokenness gives us the experience
and stamina that we need in pursuit of our destiny and living a purposeful
life. This means we have to overcome them against all odds. We have to
become by riding on the waves and storms that life directs to us. We will
gain much wisdom and knowledge as we endure through and the
experience will not only be beneficial to us but to many around us.
Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in horrible bills. The best thing is that
our good God does not waste an experience. He allow us to go through
some challenges to learn, acquire some stamina, glorify Him in the victory,
shape and equip us with crucial lessons that we’ll need later in the pursuit
of our destiny.
The noise of the sea will never disturb the fish from sleeping. Therefore don’t let
anything disturb you, stay focused and determined to be on track on
whatever you are pursuing in life, turn a deaf ear to every noise that will
distract your attention. God will change your story if only you are
determined and prayerful. I urge you to never start a day with the broken
pieces of yesterday unless to join them to make a worthy vessel. Every day
is a fresh opportunity to venture a new path and write a story. Each day is
a new beginning and every morning we wake up is the first day of our new
life and because today will never come again we should give it all our best
that when we look back tomorrow we will not regret a thing
Overcoming All Odds
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Chapter 1
TRANSITION
everal years have now past since the day I submitted my
resignation letter as the Training Manager of St. John Ambulance
Kenya. I quit an office and desk where I was in charge of all
trainings programs in the whole country including training all
the Police Officers, over 20,000 volunteers in universities, high schools, primary
schools and Government Institutions. I was also the Head of a group of
over 72 trainers in the region. It was a dream which whose time had
come. One year later, by the grace of God I had trained more people
in the region than I did my entire life working with the organization as
a National Industrial Training Authority approved trainer, training and
developing officer to a training Manager. Through my company
Makinika Afrika, I have been able to reach out to many people who
could not afford to sponsor themselves for a First Aid or Fire Safety
course. I have been able to organize free trainings for boda boda riders
under the Makinika Road Safety awareness campaign as well as the
Makinika Afrika Community Safety awareness campaign on Drugs and
Substance abuse awareness program. I have also given a lot of instructor’s
opportunity to earn and share their training experience through this
forum. I have distributed thousands of Safety charts and materials to
schools, households, churches and other organized groups. In this transition I
have attended several media awareness sessions and participated in
national disaster and safety related forums.
If you are trusting God for any transition, just keep praying, keep
pushing, keep pursuing the dream as you wait upon God’s appointed
time. You may be trusting Him for a marriage partner, own business
or company, a child, salvation, come out from an addiction,
promotion, own a property or even political leadership. At His
S
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appointed time, He will make
everything beautiful, give you a
divine idea, divine strategy, right
forum, right and favorable
environment and divine connection
with the right people and resources.
Even though it tarries, wait
patiently and keep on believing the right time is coming and God will
make everything beautiful.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive,
and your joy will be complete. (John16:24).
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John14:14).
Let us keep dreaming big. We can be whatever we believe, perceive
and confess. There is a great power in our words, imagination and
trusting in God.
Are you letting a weakness, failure, or shortcoming keep you from
letting God do great things in your life? If so, it’s time to shake that
off. We all have weaknesses and shortcomings. All of us has unique
flaws. But the good news is Paul the Apostle is reminding us that
God’s grace is sufficient for you. His power is made perfect in any weakness.
In fact, the men God used in the Bible to do extraordinary things
were ordinary men and women with flaws, shortcomings,
imperfections and weakness. But the key is they were still willing to be
used by God. It’s time to get back in the race of life and get your fire
back.
A friend of mine Julie (not her real name) grew up in a God fearing
family. I knew her as a staunch believer and a gifted worshipper. She
came from a very strict and protective family. After her secondary
school, she joined the university and was actively involved in ministry
work. Julie was dating a young man Kim (not his real name) who was a
secondary school graduate but struggling with life. When her parents
discovered this, they were very furious about the relationship. Later,
she became pregnant but unfortunately Kim did not take
responsibility which led to the breaking of their relationship. Julie
became depressed and it really affected her studies and relationship
with others. She was rejected by her family and she was no longer
valued by her parents.
“Success is a journey,
not a destination."
Ben Robert Schuller
Overcoming All Odds
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After graduating from the university, she struggled alone to take care
of her Child in Nairobi and many time she slept without taking meals.
She called me several times to assist her buy food and sure enough I
hacked to her plea.
Several years later, she met a gentleman who loved her whole
heartedly together with her baby. She later got married in a colourful
church wedding, and today they are blessed, happily married and own
a lot of properties. As I write this book, she is many times richer than
what her parents owned. She runs a family business and God has
really established them.
When she thought that it was over; God was not over with her yet.
He broke a relationship which probably could not have amounted to
much to prepare her for a great gentleman that would together create
a lot of wealth. On the side, Kim has never settled down, he is still
struggling to make the ends meet. We can only wish him all the best in
his endevors. God will bring a divine transition in your life that will
amaze you.
God is doing a new thing and you will forget your painful past.
Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18 NIV).
God is making a way where there seems to be no way. He is bringing
surprises and coincidences. In your transition God is joining you with
the right people, resources and opportunities to your favor.
A divine transition is coming into your life that will thrust you to
greatness. Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. Get set.
1) YOUR PURPOSE, YOUR LIFE
If you knew you were going to die a year from today. What would you
do? And how would you want to be remembered?
The majority of people don’t like thinking about death. It freaks us
out. But thinking about our own death surprisingly has a lot of
practical advantages. One of those advantages is that it forces us to
Overcoming All Odds
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zero in on what’s actually important in our lives and what’s just
frivolous and distracting.
Have you ever thought of the young people who died and left us?
Think about Fidel Odinga, Esir, Dr. Myles Munroe, Bishop Ben Bahati, and
Cabinet Secretary Nkaissery, a friend or a relative who left you,
wondering how the world could be so unfair.
On the Monday of 5th December 1983, I was born into this beautiful
world. On Sunday 3rd
August 2003 at noon, I gave my life to Christ at
Deliverance Church Murunyu in Nakuru. This was one of the best
things that ever happened to my life and the best decision that I have
ever made.
On Thursday 26th May 2011 at
11pm, I discovered my purpose.
This was after a long fight with the
Holy Spirit wanting to know my
role in the body of Christ, and after
three good hours lying on the floor
of my room, the Lord asked me,
“what is in your hand?" I responded,
“it’s my phone." Then the voice told
me to write a text and forward to somebody. I didn't know what to
type but miraculously I received a wonderful text from someone. I
checked the balance of my airtime and realized I had only 10 shillings.
So at around 11:15pm I forwarded the text to 10 friends.
My friend! That text did glorious things and everyone who got the text
called and others sent replies claiming that God spoke to them
through the text. In fact, one of the guy who called back, told me that
they were in a hospital after their last born got ill at night and they had
a challenge getting a physician but immediately received and read the
text, as they were still wondering why the text came to them, the
doctor showed up and after one week the gentleman gave his life to
Christ. Two years later, while he was accompanying me to my in-laws
to pay my dowry, he told me that I led him to Christ through the text
I sent that night.
A lot of things have happened, I have led hundreds of men and
women to Christ by the grace of God. I have preached in several
institution from high schools, colleges and even prisons and churches.
“The key to happiness is
having dreams; the key
to success is making
them come true."
James Allen
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I have written a lot of articles and publications that are appearing in
different churches, institutions and organizations journals to the glory
of God. I have always written stuff on Facebook, twitter, linked in,
Instagram, Google and other social media platforms and through this
God Has always talked to somebody.
Today as I sit in my room meditating on what the Lord has done, I
feel humbled by His love and faithfulness, surely He Has been good
to me and his grace has been sufficient. There is no one like my God.
Some of my encouraging Bible verses have been;
Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you concerning the path you should
walk; I will direct you with my eye."
John 14:6,"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me."
Psalm 91:14-16, "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I
will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will
answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With
long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Surely, My God has been good to me, I was a stammerer and could
not dare stand and talk infront of people but today here I am,
declaring the goodness of God to Nations, His love flowing in me, He
has anointed my head and my cup is overflowing.
My friend, the secret is knowing God and allowing Him to lead your
life and you will never live in regret but will have a purpose driven life,
your life will never be the same again. You are His project and He is
the project manager and main donor so just surrender your life unto
Him and allow Him to lead your life.
When I was doing my undergraduate at Moi University Eldoret, there
was a time we were having a club dinner at the Soweto mess and I
asked members “If you had a year to live, what would you do?” As you can
imagine, this is a question without a direct answer. A lot of people
gave vague and boring answers.
But it did cause people to really think about their lives in a different
way and re-evaluate what their priorities were.
Our Spiritual leader and my mentor Rev Elijah Mwangi of
Deliverance Church Nakuru always declares to us that “You will be
mighty in the land.” These words have been lingering in my mind since
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the time I gave my life to Christ. In my spiritual walk, I do a lot of
counseling, motivation and mentorship in schools through Kenya
Students Christian Fellowship (KSCF), Young life Africa, NUSETA, Africa
Youth Rescue Initiative and my Initiative Makinika Afrika International. One
key thing to note, is that every young person out there is hungry to
know their purpose on earth.
Most of us have no clue what we want to do with our lives. Even
graduation, even after we get jobs and even after we are making
money. The problem is the concept of “life purpose” itself. The idea
that we were each born for a higher purpose and it’s now our cosmic
mission to find it. In every human being there is a question of why
were you created? What am I in this world for? Am I living my purpose?
We exist on this earth for some undetermined period of time. During
that time we do things. Some of these things are important. Some of
them are unimportant. And those important things give our lives
meaning and happiness. The unimportant ones basically helps us
connect the important. God gives us what we need to get what we
want.
What is your legacy going to be? What are the stories people are going to tell when
you’re gone? What is your obituary going to say? Is there anything to say at all?
If not, what would you like it to say? How can you start working
towards that today? Well, if you were to summarize your obituary in
one sentence with an ordinary achievement that impresses no one,
then again, you’re failing here.
When people feel like they have no sense of direction, no purpose in
their life, it’s because they don’t know what’s important to them, and
they don’t know what their values are. When you have and know your
values, then you’re essentially operating in other people’s values and
pursuing other people’s priorities instead of your own.
This is a one-way ticket to unhealthy living and ultimate misery.
Discovering one’s purpose in life essentially boils down to finding
those one or two things that are bigger than yourself, and bigger than
those around you. To find your purpose, you must get off your couch,
take action and take time to think beyond yourself. Think greater than
yourself, and paradoxically, to imagine a world without yourself. It has
cost me years of reading inspirational books like Purpose driven life by
Rick Warren, In Pursuit of purpose by Myles Munroe, Think Big by Ben
Carson, Fire Rain and the Bible to discover my purpose.
Overcoming All Odds
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One of the obvious way to understand your purpose is identifying and
knowing your purpose. Discovering what you’re passionate about in
life and what matters to you is a full-contact sport, a trial-and-error
process. None of us know exactly how we feel about an activity until
we actually do the activity. What most people don’t understand is that
passion is the result of action, not the cause of it.
Be careful how you spend each day. Do not be led by programs and
plans from other people, but have your own values. To live a happy
and healthy life, we must hold on to values that are greater than our
own pleasure or satisfaction.
Mr. Chris Kirubi one of the greatest Business tycoons, always says that
if you want to count yourself successful, just Identify one problem in the
world and try fixing it. Getting a solution to a problem leads to a
successful living.
Discover a problem you care about and start solving it. Obviously,
you’re not going to fix the world’s problems by yourself. But you can
contribute and make a difference. The feeling of making a difference
in itself is ultimately what’s most important for your own happiness
and fulfillment. Great things are by nature unique and
unconventional. Therefore, to achieve them, we must overcome all
odds, the hard mental conditioning which tends to scare us from
accomplishing things.
Embrace embarrassment. Feeling foolish is part of the path to
achieving something important, something meaningful. The more a
major life decision scares you, chances are the more you need to be
doing it. Right now, there’s something you want to do, something you
think about doing, something you fantasize about doing, yet you don’t
do it. You have your reasons, no doubt. And you repeat these reasons
to yourself day in day out. My friend that could be where your
purpose is and your prosperity.
Whatever it is, don’t just look at the activities that keep you up all
night, but look at the cognitive principles behind those activities that
enthrall you. Because they can easily be applied elsewhere.
Overcoming All Odds
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People want to start their own business or become financially
independent. But you don’t end up a successful entrepreneur unless
you find a way to appreciate the risk, the uncertainty, the repeated
failures, and working insane hours on something you have no idea
whether will be successful or not.
People want a partner or a spouse. But you don’t end up attracting
someone amazing without appreciating the emotional turbulence that
comes with weathering rejections, building the sexual tension that
never gets released, and staring blankly at a phone that never rings. It’s
part of the game of love. You can’t win if you don’t play. Everybody
wants something. And everybody wants something enough.
They just aren’t aware of what it is they want, or rather, what they
want “enough.”
Who you are is defined by the values you are willing to struggle for.
People who enjoy the struggles of a gym are the ones who get in good
shape. People who enjoy long workweeks and the politics of the
corporate ladder are the ones who move up it. People who enjoy the
stresses and uncertainty of the starving artist lifestyle are ultimately the
ones who live it and make it. Everything involves sacrifice. Everything
includes some sort of cost. Nothing is pleasurable or uplifting all of
the time. So the question is. What struggle or sacrifice are you willing
to tolerate? Ultimately, what determines our ability to stick with
something we care about is our ability to handle the rough patches
and ride out the inevitable rotten days. This is the most simple and
basic component of life: our struggles determine our successes. So
choose your struggles wisely, my friend.
If it’s going to happen, it’s up to you. You have greatness in you, you
have the seed of greatness in you because if you are born again then
you are a royal priesthood, a chosen nation and set apart by God to
enjoy the goodies of the kingdom.
Overcoming All Odds
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As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9, NIV).
God’s dream for your life is so much bigger than your own. He wants
to bless you and enlarge your
territory. His ways and thoughts
are so much higher than ours, and
His plan is so much bigger than we
can imagine. Choose today to
focus on the good things God has
in store for you. Don’t allow the
circumstances of life to drag your
thoughts down. Choose God’s
thoughts by meditating on His
Word.
The Scripture declares, “Set your mind on things above.” Those “things
above” are God’s thoughts and His ways. Having higher thoughts
means thinking, “I am blessed and highly favored. I am above only and not
beneath. I am the head and not the tail. I am a victor, not a victim. I am
righteous, and my path shines brighter and brighter to the full day!”
When you allow those higher thoughts to fill your mind, they will
direct your steps. You will see yourself as an overcomer and live the
abundant life God has in store for you.
And the Lord answered me; “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he
may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to
the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not
delay. (Habakkuk 2:2)
My friend, you may be going through a situation in life that could be
making you feel like God is so far from you, and, probably feeling like
He is not fair with you. Just know that the situation is not meant to
finish you but give you a great experience and testimony just like the
experience David got when he faced the bear, the lion and Goliath
before being crowned the king. Our God is a God of abundance and
His intentions for you is to make you prosper and live a hopeful life.
He is working behind the scene on your behalf just like what He does
to a caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly.
“Every achiever I have
ever met says,
'My life turned around
when I began
to believe in me.”
Robert Schuller
Overcoming All Odds
19
Don’t fear when you see like part of your life has a state of inadequacy
He doesn’t provide almost enough, maybe enough or barely enough.
He provides more than enough in every area of our lives. With God,
there is no such thing as ordinary. He can change any situation and
use anything to serve His purpose.
My trust in God flows out of the experience of his loving me, day in
and day out, whether the day is stormy or fair, whether I'm sick or in
good health, whether I'm in a state of grace or disgrace. He comes to
me where I live and loves me as I am.
Our key to greatness lies not in our ability to project ourselves to
others as if we are putting ourselves onto a projector and creating an
image of ourselves on a projector screen. Rather, our key to greatness
lies in who we are which we can give to other people in a way that
when they walk away from us, they are able to say in their hearts that
they have taken away something with them quite extraordinary.
Embedded in the larger story of redemption is a principle we must
not miss: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the
lives of others and He will use you.
Sometimes we may ask God for success, and He gives us physical and
mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive
enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth
and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us
conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals.
Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the
inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but
only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.
The LORD will come as he did against the Philistines at Mount Perazim and
against the Amorites at Gibeon. He will come to do a strange thing; he will come
to do an unusual deed. (Isaiah 28:21).
Today is the day to lift your expectations. Believe for something
radical - a radical healing, promotion, a restoration, that unexpected
call, breakthrough. When you decide to stand in faith and believe for
God’s best, doing what God calls you to do, the results will be greater
than you ever imagined.
Focus on pursuing and serving your purpose in your generation. This
is the secret to a fruitful and fulfilling life. You have a special
Overcoming All Odds
20
assignment that only you are meant to handle. There is a gap that only
you can fill. May God give you divine knowledge to discover and
pursue it.
2) EVERY SETBACK IS A SETUP
FOR A GREAT COMEBACK
When I was a pupil at Kamurunyu primary school, I loved art and
craft subject. We made a lot of items some from wood, clay, paper,
metal, paper mache and the end product was always great. When
making clay vessels like pots, jars and flower vessels, sometimes the
outcome would not be gratifying so we had to crush it, soften it and
start all over again to make a different vessel. The first one would face
a setback because it did not satisfy and our intention was not to harm
but to give it a more noble and worthy appearance that would be
admired.
It’s easy to think that because we aren’t where we want to be in life, or
we’ve made poor decisions or faced unfortunate setbacks that God’s
plans for our life are over. Nothing you have done or haven’t done
can cancel you from your destiny as long as you keep God first place
and continually seek and obey Him. When you don’t see a way, God
can make a way. When it looks like it’s over, God has the final say.
We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our
past. But we are not our mistakes, we are not our struggles, and we are
here now with the power to shape another day and our future.
Every single thing that has ever happened in our life is preparing us
for a moment that is yet to come in our future.
Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger,
even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was
built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and
grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.
People often say that a bad event is a 'blessing in disguise.' Trust me,
experience will teach you that some are unbelievably well disguised.
Everyone gets fired, or decides to make a radical change at some
point. Everyone suffers setbacks. Even President Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta
once was a presidential candidate and was defeated. He learnt some
lessons and there was a major comeback 10 years later.
Overcoming All Odds
21
We all go through things in life that we don’t understand, but did you
know that God uses the dark places in our life as part of His divine
plan? Take a journey through the scriptures in this inspirational
message and see how many people that did anything great went
through a dark place but developed new potential in that valley. See
how God enlarged David and adopt his faith-filled declaration in,
“God enlarged me in my time of distress.” (Psalm 4:1).
The dark places are where you really grow. That’s where your
character is developed; that’s when you learn to trust, to persevere,
where your spiritual muscles are getting stronger. Take a new look at
facing dark times and discover the God-given growth and potential
inside of you that you never knew you had as you learn about the plan
of the valley and our trials.
We all face situations that seem impossible, and it’s very easy to want
to give up, to throw in the towel. After all, if it’s taken a while,
sometimes it’s easy to settle, get discouraged and think nothing will
ever change. But that’s where our faith kicks in, that’s where winning
process begin. So many men and women in the Bible who were used
greatly by God knew a secret - they were “nevertheless” people.
They knew that if they were going to see the thing they were believing
for, or see the thing God had promised them come to pass, they had
to hold on to their trust in God and daily persevere and release their
faith. Don’t give up on the promise God has placed in your heart.
I'm proud of the way I've dealt with setbacks. It's hard when you feel
down and you think, 'Why is the world doing this to me?' But you have to
pick yourself up again. That's what makes you a better athlete, a better
skipper, a stronger person, a winner, a champion.
Even the accomplished suffers setbacks sometimes. The more bitter
the lessons, the greater the successes will be.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those
who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
(Romans 8:28).
I think whether you're having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to
always display a winning attitude.
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22
There have been setbacks, illnesses
and other obstacles, so inevitably
I've had disappointments. But once
you realise that things can't always
go your own way, you're on the
right track to being able to handle
your own life.
I've had disappointments and
heartbreaks and setbacks and roles
I didn't get, but something always came along that either made me
better or was an even better role. Am not strong, I have known pain
and disgrace, I have known and faced rejection, hatred and
disappointments but these setbacks have made me strong to the
extent of writing motivational stories and testimonies connected to
some of these moments.
I am someone who always gets up again, even if there are setbacks.
I have a survivor’s instinct. I'm not sure where it comes from, but
probably from all the little things that make me into who I am.
You have to realize that illness and temporary l setbacks at times
comes from the hand of God, to help us know ourselves better, to
free us from the love of created things, and to makes us become bold
and brave to overcome all the odds that life would bring. God allows
odds to come to us, when He realizes that we have gone away. When
we stops to trust and acknowledge Him. He allows odds to come,
until we come back to Him. Setbacks are just learning experiences.
In other words, don't expect to always be great. Disappointments,
failures and setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a
company and what the leader has to do is constantly be up and say 'we
have a problem, let's go and get it done'.
You have to keep pushing towards your dreams no matter the
setbacks. Take note, everybody has setbacks in their life, and
everybody falls short achieving the goals they set for themselves.
That's part of the process of finding and understanding who you are.
Every single thing that happens in your life is preparing you for a
moment that is yet to come. Nothing just happens, be strong.
If you so choose, even the unexpected setbacks can bring new and
positive possibilities. If you so choose, you can find value and
fulfillment in every circumstance.
“All men who have
achieved great things
have been great
dreamers."
Orison Swett Marden
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23
You will find that every successful entrepreneur has suffered many
setbacks. These entrepreneurs just forget to mention these when they
are doing interviews with the Young Rich, Jeff Koinange, CNN, BBC
etc.
A successful entrepreneur can't be afraid of failures or setbacks. An
initial setback can be a great opportunity to take a new and more
promising approach to any problem, to come back stronger than ever.
I contend that not only can you laugh at adversity, but it is essential to
do so if you are to deal with setbacks
without defeat. Competition got me off
the farm and trained me to look for
challenges but endure setbacks. This
blended with my faith, it sustains me in
the fight with Nairobians to create an
impact and acquire wealth.
Life is too short to waste doing
nothing, make every day count,
because we all don't know when we
will leave this world. Cherish every
moment you have with loved ones and
never regret anything in life, because everything happens for a reason.
Look at every day and smile that God has kept you alive, because
there's nothing sweeter than life.
Every struggle arises for a reason for experience or a lesson. A great
journey is never easy, and no dose of adversity along the way is ever a
waste of time if you learn and grow from it.
You don't realize what you had until it's gone, but there is a reason for
every goodbye. God just chose a different path for you...
Everything happens for a reason, although we may not understand it
at the time, if you hang in there, all the pieces will eventually fall
where they belong.
Everything happens for a reason. Life puts you down, only so you can
get back up for the better things. Live life, forgive and forget. Let go
of the past
Everything happens for a reason. That reason causes change.
Sometimes the change hurts. Sometimes the change is hard. But in the
end it’s all for the best.
“Every achiever I have
ever met says,
'My life turned around
when I began
to believe in me.”
Robert Schuller
Overcoming All Odds
24
Just Smile my friend, today would be a wonderful day not to take life
so seriously. Today may end up the way you prefer, and it may not.
Happiness is not about being a winner; it's about being gentle with
life, being gentle with you. Let life be a dance, and choose the kind of
dance you want for today, perhaps a gentle loving dance.
We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our
past. But we are not our mistakes, we are not our struggles, and we are
here now with the power to shape another day and our future. Every
single thing that has ever happened in our life is preparing us for a
moment that is yet to come in our future.
Remember, God didn’t come just to make you better and help you get
by. He came to make you totally whole, and He desires that you to
live an abundant, healthy, happy, victorious life.
When God gives you a dream and puts a promise in your heart, most
often, there is a delay. A lot of people give up in the face of
opposition and let their dream become buried under discouragement,
past mistakes, rejection, negative voices and failure. But that doesn’t
have to be you. Your dream may be buried, but the good news is that
it’s still alive. It’s not too late to see it come to pass. God promises in
(Joel 2:25) to restore to you the lost years. It’s time to remember your dream and
believe again.
You might have felt like you have been dropped and retired from the
track of your dream but God is using that setback to prepare you, to
re-tire and re-equip you to come and finish strong just like in football,
the half time break is crucial to make some crucial change and
sometimes to get a status changing advice not an end to the game.
What happened in the halftime even if it could be a loss can be
converted into a win depending on the activities done during the half
time. You can’t live very long without being dropped in life - dropped
by an illness, a delay, financial constraints, a divorce, a friend that
turns on you, or an unfair injustice. Many people let these moments
define who they are and how they will live the rest of their lives.
There will always be things in life that we don’t understand or don’t
make sense. It may even be an unanswered prayer or situation in your
life that you’ve earnestly sought God to change for years. When this
happens, it’s very easy to focus on what’s not changing, which can rob
Overcoming All Odds
25
us of our joy and faith. But, there is a higher way to live. See your
secret frustrations a bit differently with a fresh godly perspective.
“My grace is sufficient for you. My power works best in weakness.” You have
the grace for anything you’re facing. You can’t live very long without
making a mistake, being hurt by someone, going through a breakup,
being broken by divorce, an unhealthy childhood or an addiction. The
key is to move forward and let it go. God can use an obstacle to be
your stepping stone. No matter how large an obstacle may be, God is
much bigger than anything we may face.
We all go through difficulties, setbacks and loss. In fact, pain is a part
of life. Many people allow their pain to cripple them and keep them
stuck, causing them to miss out on the next level that God was
preparing them to go. This doesn’t have to be you. Nothing is a
surprise to God. He wants to use your pain to grow you and prepare
you to give birth to a new level of your destiny. If you’re dealing with
a painful situation today, you will find encouragement. That pain is
not there to stop you; it’s there to develop, prepare and increase you
for the greater work God wants to do in your life. A new level is
coming.
Sometimes you have to lose something to gain something better. If
you look back over your life and recall the times you really grew and
came up higher, most often, it was the times of difficulty where your
faith grew, and you were stretched beyond your limits. Did you know
that these growing times are all part of God’s plan? These ordained
seasons do not show up in our lives by accident. They are placed there
on purpose to grow us, equip us and prepare us for our future. You’ll
be inspired to stay in faith and be equipped to go through the pruning
seasons. It’s time to go to a new level and flourish into your destiny.
Gain wisdom in this faith-building message so you’ll be ready and
prepared in every season.
Being a person of faith doesn’t exempt you from difficulties.
"Rain falls on the just and the unjust." (Matthew 5:45), No matter how
good a person you are, no matter how much you honor God, there’s
going to be some rain in your life. But the good news is that God's
strength will equip you every step of the way, and you’re not alone.
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Psalm 18:39 says, "You have armed me with strength for the battle." So don’t
be afraid of storms and trials. Be inspired and reminded that you’re
coming up higher; you’re reaching a new level. The storms may come,
the winds may blow, but with God by your side, you will stand and
thrive. The God of the storm is the same God who heals, binds up
wounds, teach our fingers for battle and teach our hands to make
wealth.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."(Psalm 30:5)
His rays of restoration, hope, healing and abundance are closer than
you think. It's time to have faith again.
When you’re in the valley, if you’ll stay in faith knowing that God has
something better, He’ll take those tears and turn them into pools to
refresh you. You’ll have the strength you need for every situation. You
will come out stronger and better.
God sees the bigger picture for your life. He knows where every road
is leading and where the dead ends are.
“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their
own way?” (Proverbs 20:24).
When you realize you are in the palm of God’s hand and that nothing
happens without His divine purpose, then you will begin to see and
realize that the closed doors are just as important as the open doors.
Over time as a growing entrepreneur, I have come to appreciate the
fact that competition help us do things better and grow. One of the
competitors to my company in the line of Training is Kenya Red
Cross and St. John Ambulance and for me to acquire more trainings, I
have to regularly study what they do and then ensure my team
improve and have better tactics and strategies. Do not view your
competitor as an enemy because it’s through them that you can scale
heights. Intelligent people think that the enemy teaches them how to
march towards success, because, the adversary is the best type of
mirror with reflects our defects through pen or tongue.
It decreases our pride and arrogance and, sometimes, helps in uplifting
our hidden abilities.
The advances of the east and the west are the consequence of
competition. If competitions come to end, capabilities would not
flower. Thus, if there were no struggle between individuals or masses
the progress in new inventions too would become stagnant.
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Sometimes we do not do things to our expectation, sometimes we fail
but regardless of the setback we must know that it’s part of the
process. It’s like a road bump on the road which is not an end to the
journey. One of the secrets of success is that we should not fear
failures. Rather, we must pick up the sweet fruits hidden in defeat.
Failure is like a mirror, which shows us our weaknesses and defects
accurately.
I love action movies, in all the movies the starling never dies. They
fight to the end. Occasionally, they are crushed and almost to death
but there is always the great come back – revenge time. History shows
that many victories came after defeats. It is so because the failed
person enters the field again with a new determination and spirit and
achieves success as he is convinced that the distance between success
and failure is very less.
Champions have a finishing stamina. They never give up, they fight to
the end whether bruised or fatigued. They continue to march forward
gradually with a strong will and rest only after reaching their goal.
A well-known Army commander called Napoleon once said, “I have
seen so many defeats that I have now learnt how to defeat the enemy.” That is
positivity.
The worst thing to lose is hope. It is hope that keeps us going
regardless of the set back. It is also said that sometimes hope remains
hidden behind hopelessness and disappointment. Hope follows
hopelessness.
The remarkable point is that the existence of difficulties is one of the
causes of success. Some people do not realize this easily, but if they
think over it they would realize that just as the heat of fire strengthens
steel, difficulties and hardships make the imagination and thinking of
man more sharp and teach him the lesson of living.
The setbacks are very crucial ingredients and catalysts to success. You
require them to get the important lessons and experiences that will
help you remain on top. The best soldiers are the once who have been
involved in different wars and fights. Strong and powerful people are
those who were brought up amidst difficulties and hardships because
they alone knew how to cope up with adversities, but those who are
nourished in comfort and ease are like delicate and tender flowers,
which fall down even by a cold whiff of breeze.
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Thomas Edison tried two
thousand different materials in
search of a filament for the light
bulb. When none worked
satisfactorily, his assistant
complained, “All our work is in
vain. We have learned nothing.”
Edison replied very confidently,
“Oh, we have come a long way and we have learned a lot. We know that there are
two thousand elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb.”
Setbacks and difficulties provide steps to climb the ladder to success.
Some of the very successful people have either been brought up in
ghettos or rural set up where they had to go through setbacks and
life’s challenges. Most of those who always get what they desire, are
always protected and from well up families have challenges coping
with life on their own. But those who have suffered hazards and
tough times keep standing like mountains. Stormy winds cannot harm
them at all. Similarly floods always digs up soft ground but hard soil
remains intact amidst floods. A knife becomes sharper only after
being grinded on hard rock or against another metal, it is the same
truth. Torments and tribulations polish man’s personality, because he
uses his mental faculties for removing difficulties. Hence wise people
say that games and sports raise the mental abilities of a child because
in the course of games and sports he faces some sort of difficulties
and uses his intelligence to remove them.
From this viewpoint, unless there are storms of difficulties many
capabilities cannot grow. Hardships and calamities are like a strict
teacher whose students score the best marks.
A setback is nothing but a setup for a comeback. Everything happens
for a reason, though the reason is not always as clear as we would like
it to be.
My dear friend, the bad times are the good times to move
ahead…despite the setbacks you have been going through and your
hard work not being appreciated of which the Lord has been
watching, your time to rise has come. You have endured and gone
through a painful, discouraging moment full of questions without
answers and sometimes wondering whether God still cares.
“Your imagination is your
preview of life's
coming attractions."
Albert Einstein
Overcoming All Odds
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You are going to a season where you are about to experience great
breakthrough after breakthrough because what you went through did
not break you.
There was once a man who was ship-wrecked and stranded on an
island. Every day he prayed asking God to send someone to rescue
him, but to his disappointment, no one ever came.
Months passed and this man learned how to survive on the island.
During this time, he accumulated things from the island and stored
them in a hut that he constructed. One day after hunting for food and
returning back to his hut, much to his dismay he saw that his hut was
on fire along with everything else he owned.
All of his possessions were going up in smoke. The only thing he had
left were the clothes on his back. Initially he was in shock, and then he
was consumed with anger and rage.
In his fury he threw a fist into the air and began cursing God and
yelling,
“God, how could you let this happen to me? I’ve been praying every day for months
about being rescued and no one has come, and now everything that I have is on fire!
How could you do to this to me! Why did you let this happen?”
Later the man was on his hands and knees weeping heavily when he
happened to look up and catch sight of a ship coming in his direction.
The man was rescued and as they were heading back to civilization the
man asked the Captain, “How were you able to find me?”
The captain responded, “We were voyaging across the ocean when we noticed
on the horizon a column of smoke going up.
We decided to go check it out and when we did, that’s when we found you!”
In life we are going to be confronted with challenges, problems, and
disasters. But keep in mind that what the devil has meant for bad,
God can transform into your good. What is a catastrophe can
sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their
troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as
have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord
delivers him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:17-19).
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You are not breaking down, you are breaking through. Arise now my
friend because your time to shine has come and you will never be the
same again, never, never be the same again in Jesus name.
3) GOD STILL VOICE
At no point in history was God ever silent. God has always
communicated with his people in some way or another. We can be
rest assured that if God wants something said, it will be heard.
It thus explains to us not to determine whether God speaks today, but
how He does it.
I have over time developed a culture of creating time to just listen to
God without saying anything or without giving any instruction.
I prepare a note book, writes minutes of the meeting with God and
start listening as I take notes. Sometimes I place a chair and assume
He is seated right opposite and sometimes He asks questions and I
respond. Sometimes I had meetings with God that I end up writing
pages of information, instructions and directions. Sometimes He
directs me on preparing a plan or art work for something and He
coach me through it. It is very fulfilling. Just try this and you will
testify about it.
Do you ever find that when people are talking, your mind is racing so
fast thinking about what you are going to say instead of really
listening? You are preparing to give an answer or give your opinion
rather than careful listen in between the lines.
In scripture, we see God’s voice is not the loudest one out there.
Many voices of the world are vying for your attention. You have to be
intentional in order to hear His voice. His voice is still and quiet, and
so we must be still and quiet in order to hear Him. It is less important
how God speaks to us than what we do with what He says. God
speaks most clearly to us in this day through His Word. The more we
learn it, the more ready we will be to recognize His voice when He
speaks, and the more likely we are to obey what we hear.
We often look for God to move in and out of the ordinary manner.
We often miss the supernatural looking for the spectacular. God
speaks to us today through His written Word. We must read it, study
it, and meditate on it. When we do so, logically we learn more of His
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mind. Then the Holy Spirit makes that Word applicable to us at the
right times. Most people are always directly to seeking approval from
others thus lose track
“What do you mean I have to wait for someone's approval? I'm someone. I
approve. So I give myself permission to move forward with my full support!”
You have two voices, one that only you hear, and another that you
speak out loud with, so others hear you. Regardless of what you
actually say with your mouth, what matters is what your inner voice
says, for this is the one you listen to the most.” and this is the voice
that should be leading you.
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you,
saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21).
This is a year of opportunities for you and me, It is not very often that
an opportunity comes knocking. But when it does, you better be
bathed and dressed and ready to answer its call. It comes with a deep
conviction and you have to listen to your heart to get that conviction.
It favors the prepared.
We have an internal check and balance system. By design we are so
filled with possibility, opportunity, with greatness that when we live
small, within the bottom of our capability, we innately know we
should be living greater than that, and it creates a disconnect inside
that leads us to feeling empty, unhappy, maybe even depressed.
In life, you will always be faced with a series of God-ordained
opportunities brilliantly disguised as problems and challenges.
On 30th
July 2014, my friend who was working as a field officer with a
local NGO lost her job in an unclear circumstances and when she was
at home wondering about the next move, with a great conviction to
shift with her family to their parent's rural home, her younger
daughter got sick and she took her to Kenyatta National Hospital and
upon arrival at the casualty area she found a clinical officer who
recognized her and ushered them in. To her surprise, the clinical
officer was once her nanny and because of the way she treated her
well during the two years they lived together and encouraged her to
save and pursue her medical carrier, the patient was taken care of and
apart from that, the clinical officer informed the lady(her former boss) of
a project that USAID and DFID were about to launch in that area
and were about to advertise for a Programs Manager job and
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connected her to the contact person, in summary, the lady is now
working in the project having a 9yrs contract and earning 4times her
previous salary, hefty allowances and traveling regularly to different
countries.
My friend you may be in a painful, challenging or even confused state
wondering about the next move but just know that what you are
going through right now is an opportunity for breakthrough disguised
as challenges.
Could be there are people giving you negative opinions, someone
decide to break your heart, your business giving you a warning sign or
contract ends abruptly and you are at the verge of giving up, listen,
there is another voice inside telling you not to give up. Follow that
voice from God. Get set, square up your shoulders, arise and shine,
get set for a major come back for the Lord is saying,
"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see
the deliverance the LORD will give you, Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
For the LORD is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:17).
It’s our season of restoration, kingdom manifestation and
opportunities in Jesus mighty name. Every day when I wake up in the
morning, I set aside 30 minutes, not to pray and study the word
though I have allocated time for that in the morning and evening, but
to listen. I have always received instructions from God on how to
start the day, how to handle a situation that would arise, what need to
be stocked in our shops and how to respond to some clients.
When I follow the instructions the results have been amazing.
Make hearing His voice a priority in your life. Set aside time each day
to just listen. Develop a hearing heart so that you can know His voice
and understand His ways.
4) KEEP THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE
Over time my life has been moving in high speed and this is after
realize who I am, the divine potential in me and how God intended
me to live. I have clearly laid down Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) that I stick to.
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Sometimes thoughts of my past failures and life’s challenge have tried
to talk to me and remind me of who I was but I don’t entertain them.
Sometimes when on national TV being interviewed I get some
thoughts trying to remind me that I was a stammerer and a village lad
but I have to always fight these thoughts because even though that is
how I was it’s not who I am today. If you don’t take control of your
thought life, then every hurt, every criticism, every derogatory
comment will play again and again. I am tempted to be insecure, to
feel inferior, and lose my confidence. But I had to keep reminding
myself, “I know God made me like I am on purpose. I might have been with
some weaknesses before, but God says I’m a masterpiece. They may have rejected
me, but God says He accepts me and that is final.”
It says in 1 Peter 2:9, “You have been chosen by God Himself.” People may
leave you out. People may overlook you. But always remember, the
One who matters most chooses you. That means you weren’t
randomly chosen. God, on purpose, looked at you and said, “I choose
him. I choose her. They’re My son. They’re My daughter. That’s who I want on
My team.”
People may tell you, “You’re just too small.” But God says, “You’re just the
right size for Me.” People may say, “You’re not talented. We don’t need you.
You don’t have anything to offer.” But God says, “You are fearfully and
wonderfully made. You are talented. You are creative. You are anointed. You are
smart. You are intelligent. You are amazing and You have what am looking for
to fulfill my purpose.”
Whenever we feel that sting of rejection, instead of getting down on
ourselves and losing our sense of value, our attitude should be, “I may
be disappointed. This may hurt. But I’m not going to sink down into self-pity and
start thinking that there is something wrong with me. I know the One who matters
most, the one who controls the universe, handpicked me. I may not have been
chosen by the coach, the boss, or a friend, but I was chosen by the Most High God;
and He says that His plans for me are for good and not evil, to give me a future
and a hope.”
I know some of you have gone through more than your share of
unfair situations. But here’s what I’ve learned. Even though life is not
fair, God is fair. Do not go around thinking there is something wrong
with you, but instead start seeing yourself as handpicked by God -
valuable, lovable, with something great to offer — then God said He
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34
will pay you back double for your
former shame. That means He’ll
make the rest of your life twice as
good as it would have been if that
had never even happened to you,
just like He did to Job.
But you’ve got to dig your heels in.
Don’t allow what somebody did or didn’t do steal your destiny and
cause you to go through life feeling not good enough, not talented,
not attractive. No, realize that you’re a child of the Most High God.
Your value doesn’t come from people or accomplishments; it comes
from your Creator. Put your shoulders back. Hold your head up high.
Live with confidence. God said He will take what was meant for your
harm and use it for your advantage.
Friends, people may reject you, but God accepts you. He’s already
chosen you, and He’s the One that matters most. He has a way of
working everything out for our good. And it’s always better than we
could have ever imagined.
When David faced Goliath, he never called him a giant. Everybody
else did. They talked about his size, his strength, and his skill. But
David called Goliath an uncircumcised Philistine. He never even gave
him credit for being that big. Here's the key: David didn't deny it, but
he didn't dwell on it. His attitude was; "If I'm magnifying anything I'm
magnifying the source of my strength. I'm talking about God's greatness. I'm not
focusing on how big my problems are. I'm focusing on how big my God is."
His brothers and the other Israelites were afraid and intimidated,
wondering what they were going to do. When David told them he
wanted to fight Goliath they said, "You can't fight him, you're just a kid,
you're too small, you don't have a chance, you are just a young shepherd of our
father’s little flock." But David had a different perspective. He knew if
God be for him, who would be against him? He knew he was strong
in the Lord. David knew he wasn't alone, that all the forces of Heaven
were backing him up. They tried to warn him, "David, you better be
careful, he is going to skin you alive. Goliath is too big to hit."
“To conquer fear is the
beginning of wisdom."
Bertrand Russell
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David said, "No he's too big to miss.”He went out, stood before Goliath and
said, "You come against me with a sword and a shield, but I come against you in
the name of the Lord of Israel!"
David was magnifying his God, talking about God's goodness. This
teenage boy, half the giant's size with no chance in the natural,
defeated this huge giant. How? He had the right perspective.
Change your mindset and set your perspective right. This attracts
forces of nature to team up with you towards your success.
Obama faced the Americans and told them, “Yes! We can!” and he
became the first black American president. Julius Yego took a javelin
and said, “Yes! I can!” went to You Tube and became the world greatest.
When I met my wife, she was a beautiful lady leading a worship band
at Githurai 45 Full Gospel church and working as a music instructor
in one of the music school in Nairobi called Potters Touch Music
School and I said, “Yes! I can!” I faced her and did my best to win her
heart and today we are happily married.
"Do not be intimidated by your enemies." (Philippians 1:28).
You may be like David, up against a big giant right now; a giant of
debt, a giant of sickness, a giant of joblessness, a giant legal problem.
It's so big, it looks impossible in the natural. You could easily be
overwhelmed and thing, "I don't have a chance." No, God is saying,
"Don't be intimidated. Those for you are greater than those against you.
Put your shoulders back and hold you head up high. You are not
weak, defeated, or powerless; you are a child of the Most High God,
anointed, equipped, and well able. Don't you dare shrink back and
think, "It's just too big. It's been this for too long. My property is never going to
sell. I'll never break this addiction, I'll never accomplish my dreams, I will never
get married...'" No, set your mindset right.
Do as David did, get a new perspective. You are full of can-do power.
The greatest force in the universe is breathing in your direction. There
is no challenge too tough for you, no enemy too big, no sickness too
great, and no dream too far off.
We all face challenges, but it's not the size of the problem that's
important, it's our perception of the problem; it's how big or small we
make it in our minds. When Moses sent twelve men to spy out the
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Promised Land, ten came back and said, "We'll never defeat them. There
are giants in the land." But the two other spies, Joshua and Caleb, came
back with a different report. They said, "Yes the people are big, but our
God is bigger. We are well able to take the land. Let us go."
Both groups saw the same giants and the same situation; the only
difference was their perspective. One group focused on the size of
their God, the other group focused on the size of their enemy. Out of
the two million people camped next door to the Promised Land, only
two made it in, Joshua and Caleb. Could it all be that your perspective
is keeping you out of your promised land? If you see your challenges
as impossible and you tell yourself, "I'll never get out of debt and I'll never
overcome this sickness, and I'll never accomplish my dreams." then just like
them, your wrong perspective can keep you from becoming all God's
created you to be.
Just declare, ‘I am blessed for success. I am in it to win it. I will not let what
somebody said about me, this rejection, this breakup, this closed door, this
disappointment, or this sickness cause me to get sour. God strategically placed me
here. I will succeed because God is for me, and He will provide everything I need.’
What you focus on, you magnify. If you stay focused on your problem
or what you don't have and how it will never work out, all you're
doing is making it bigger than it really is. When you magnify
something you don't change the size of an object; you only change
your perception of it.
That was why David said, "Magnify the Lord with me." He was saying if
you want to make something bigger, then don't make your problems
bigger, don't make the medical report bigger, and don’t make the
opposition bigger. Learn instead to make God bigger.
We were not created to just get by with average, unrewarding or
unfulfilling lives. God created us to leave our marks on our
generations. Every person has seeds of greatness planted within by the
Creator. When life weighs upon us, pushing us down, limiting our
thinking, labeling us in negative ways, we have what it takes to
overcome and rise above into the fullness of our destinies.
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When you break though in your mind, believing you can rise higher
and overcome obstacles, then God will unleash the power within that
will enable you to go beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary life
you were designed to live.
You are blessed and highly favored. God has written your name on
His palm that He may not forget you. Your yesterday challenges and
breakdowns are nothing compared to your tomorrows breakthroughs
and open doors, just unleash the power in you by having the right
perspective, a victor’s mentality, so a rise and shine.
Remember, God has a great plan for your life and He will never leave
you or forsake you. He wants to make you an example of His
goodness!
5) GOD IS YOUR VINDICATOR AND WILL
BRING JUSTICE INTO YOUR LIFE
Are you hurting inside because of something done to you and is full of
pain, bitterness and unable to forgive? I once was in such a situation
after somebody attacked me and cut my right ear with a sword almost
cutting it off but I later forgave him and shared the love of Christ with
him. Here’s the good news: God is no respecter of persons. If He
vindicated me, He will vindicate you. If He will restore what the devil
stole from me, He will restore what the devil stole from you. So I
challenge you right now, instead of complaining day and night about
what the enemy has done in your life, try praying day and night for
God’s justice. Are you desperate enough for God’s justice in your life
that you’ll persist in day and night prayer until you see Him move?
“Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though
He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
(Luke 18:7-8).
Do you believe that God is your vindicator? Is anything too hard for
God? I don’t know who has maligned you, who has done you wrong,
or what the enemy has stolen from you. But what I am absolutely
confident of is that God is your vindicator. If you believe it, and you
persist in prayer for justice, day and night, you can assure someone
else of our just God’s vindicating power too. Only believe.
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Are you in an emotional prison today? You may not have thought
about it that way, but if you are holding unforgiveness or bitterness
toward someone who has wronged you - whether it was five, ten or
thirty years ago - that is an emotional prison. God’s Word promises
that if you’ll step out of that prison and become a prisoner of hope,
He will restore back to you double for your trouble. That means if
someone wrongs you, instead of getting negative and bitter, your
attitude should be, “They just did me a favor. They just qualified me for
double!” That’s the attitude of a prisoner of hope. Lock into the
attitude of victory that says, “I will not be defeated! It may look impossible,
but I know God can do the impossible. They may have treated me wrongly, but
I’m not worried. I know God is my vindicator. It may be taking a long time, but
in due season, I know I will reap if I just don’t give up.”
Stay strong and in the place of hope knowing that you will come out
with double for your trouble! When you do something to the best of
your ability because you want to honor God, it opens the door to His
blessing. That means it will be easier, it will go better, and you will
accomplish more. That’s why no matter what we do, we should give it
our best. This is especially true even in the little things, like when
you’re washing the dishes or mowing the lawn, don’t drag around sour
and frustrated. Mow with enthusiasm. Mow like you’re on a mission
from God. Every step you make, thank God for the legs. Thank Him
because of health and stregnth. At the office, don’t just do enough to
get by. You’re not working unto people; you’re working unto God.
Do it with your whole heart. When you volunteer at church, don’t
wake up and think, “Awe, man. Why did I volunteer? I want to sleep in!”
No, serve Him with all your heart because that’s what honors God.
When you honor God, He’ll honor you. He’ll open the door to His
blessing, and you’ll see increase in every area of your life.
We all go through situations that are unfair; life has thrown you a
curve, it’s not what you had planned; even though life is not always
fair, God is fair, and if you will keep your trust in Him, and not get
bitter, but just keep moving forward, God has promised He will pay
you back for every unfair thing that’s happened; don’t let one bad
break ruin the rest of your life, keep you your focus on the promises
He Has put in you.
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Don’t allow what happened in your past or what they did stop you
from the amazing future God has in store; what happened may have
been wrong, what they did may have put you at a disadvantage, that
was unfair, but what they did cannot stop your destiny, they don’t
have the final say, God has the final say, God said “I will restore the years
that were stolen, give you beauty for those ashes, weeping may endure for a night,
but joy is coming in the morning”; nothing that’s happened to you is a
surprise to God, God already has the restoration, vindication, new
beginning; that setback was simply a setup for God to take you to a
higher level; you’ve got to shake off the self-pity, the defeat, and get
ready for God to do something new, He’s going to pay you back for
every injustice.
Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are
in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their
sufferings.”(Exodus 3:7 ESV).
God has seen every wrong that’s been done to you, every person that
hurt you, every tear you shed, every injustice; God went on to say:
And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to
bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk
and honey. (Exodus 3:8 (ESV).
There comes a point where God says, “enough is enough, I’ve seen it, now
I’m going to do something about it, I’m not going to just give you what you deserve,
but I’m going to make the enemy pay and bring you out better than you were
before”; God is a God of justice, He always makes the enemy pay for
bringing the trouble into your life; it may not happen overnight, God
is keeping the records, He knows exactly what you’re owed; God sees
every time you do the right thing but the wrong thing happens, take
the high road and forgive, you let it go, work hard but you didn’t get
the credit, God is closely watching, you have an account with Him,
He’ll make sure you not only get what you deserve, but His justice is
to pay you back with more; some of you, you’ve been in an unfair
situation, it’s gone on a long time, you’ve lost your passion, your fire,
thinking that’s the way it’s always going to be; God is saying to you,
“I have come down to do something about it”; you need to get ready, it’s
payback time, everything the enemy has stolen, God is going to
restore; the joy, peace, health, dreams; God is going to pay you back
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for the childhood you didn’t have, for that person that falsely accused
you, for the years you lost in an abusive relationship; He has seen
everything you’ve been through, He has come down to do something
about it. Don’t go around with a defeated mentality, that’s going to
stop God from working; you may have had more than your share of
bad breaks, you could easily get discouraged and settle where you are;
shake that off, your attitude should be, “I’m not staying here, I know it’s
payback time, restoration time, vindication time, favor time.” Almighty God
has come down on your behalf. I have too gone through very tough
time in life and ending up in the streets, sometimes abusing drugs
because of stress. That past has pushed me to establish the Makinika
Afrika youth program which is reaching out to the lost, physically
abused.
Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me
up [adopt me as His child]. (Psalm 27:10 AMP).
If you’ll just keep moving forward, being the best that you can be,
God will take what’s meant for your harm and He will use it to your
advantage; God will open doors that no man can shut; God will give
you favor and cause people to want to be good to you; you may be in
a situation where because of the poor choices of others it seems like
you’re stuck, you’ll never get out of that rut, accomplish your dreams;
God knows how to get you to where you’re supposed to be; all
through the day, in your mind, in your thoughts, you should be saying
“Father, I want to thank you that it’s payback time, I know you’re a God of
justice, you’re restoring the years, the dreams, no person’s going to keep me from my
destiny, I will become everything you created me to be.”
Have that attitude of faith. shake off the negative comments, what
people say about you doesn’t determine who you are, shake off the
disrespect, keep your head held high, and God will promote you in
spite of what they said. One way God pays you back is to prepare a
table before you in the presence of your enemies; that means God will
promote you in front of the people that were trying to hold you
down; He’ll show you favor and honor in front of those that said
you’re not good enough; let that go in one ear and out the other.
(Hebrews 10:30 NIV), For we know him who said, “It is mine to
avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.
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Some of you have cases that
need to be settled, people have
tried to push you down, make
you feel inferior; you worked
hard pursuing your dream, but
the bottom fell out; now you’re
starting over, you could easily have a chip on your shoulder; you’ve
got to know God has promised to settle your case, but you got to get
in agreement with God and start expecting payback time.
When you're down to nothing, God is up to something. The faithful
see the invisible, believe the incredible and then receive the
impossible.
If you want to see God pay you back, make your wrongs right, then
when things come against you, you’ll feel like being bitter,
complaining; dig your heels in, and say “I know my redeemer lives, God’s
going to turn this around, no weapon formed against me is going to prosper, my
best days are still out in my future.” You got to have this attitude of faith,
knowing that God is a God of justice and He will settle your case.
God has seen what you’ve been through, every tear you’ve shed, He
knows the disappointment, the heartache you feel, and this is not the
end, it’s a new beginning; you’re not going to just come out of this
barely surviving, God’s going to make the enemy pay and bring you
out better off than you were before; God is still on the throne, He’s in
complete control, He’s going to settle your case; get in agreement with
God, we all have unfair things that come against us, we all go through
bad breaks, but you have to remember God not only sees it, but He’s
promised if you’ll just keep moving forward, if you won’t get bitter,
He will settle your case; the way God settles the case is not just to turn
it around, not to just make it right, God will bring you out better off
than you were before
Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you
will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your
land, and everlasting joy will be yours. (Isaiah 61:7 NIV).
You may feel like you got a double dose of trouble, you worked hard,
but the bottom fell out, don’t get stuck there thinking that that’s your
“The secret of success is
consistency of purpose."
Benjamin Disraeli
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lot in life, that you got shortchanged, that you’ll always have a
disadvantage, the truth is, that unfair situation has qualified you for
double; it doesn’t have to stop you, if you’ll have the right attitude,
God will use it to thrust you forward; you may have had a bad break,
don’t sit around with a chip on your shoulder, every unfair thing that
has happened has qualified you for double, God is a God of justice,
He wants to pay you back, but you’ve got to do your part; shake off
the self-pity, what they said about you, what didn’t work out, the way
you were raised, and get ready for a double dose of God’s favor,
blessing, health, peace, creativity, get ready for God to do exceeding
abundantly above and beyond; when you go through unfair situations,
it’s never easy, we never like it, but keep it in the right perspective,
that person that’s talking about you, trying to make you look bad, in a
sense they did you a favor, they just qualified you for double; that
person that walked out on you, left you when you needed them the
most, don’t sit around thinking that there’s something wrong with
you, you’re inadequate, less than, blow them a kiss goodbye and get
ready for double, it’s payback time; God wants to do something new
in your life.
It’s hard to keep a good attitude when all your friends are being
blessed, but you’re not. You may feel like they don’t work as hard as
you do. You may feel like they don’t give like you do or don’t deserve
the blessing. That’s a time of testing. It’s hard to go through
disappointments and stay positive and hopeful. These are seasons of
sowing.
If you’ll do the right thing even when it’s hard, when you sow in tears,
you will always reap in joy. Have a new attitude toward what God has
placed in your heart. It may be taking a long time, but God still has a
plan to bring it to pass. Don’t give up. Your time is coming. It’s never
too late. God is saying, “This is your season. Keep your faith stirred up.”
Keep doing what is right, keep pushing, keep believing, keep being
good to people, keep sowing because in due season, you will reap the
bountiful harvest with a song of joy in your heart.
When you let God settle your case, it will be better than you could
have ever done it yourself; don’t be sour because of something that
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you lost, or something that was taken from you, instead of being bitter
and trying to get even, stay on the high road, God sees the injustice,
He knows what they took, and if you’ll let God settle your case, He’ll
not only give you what you deserve, but God will pay you back with
even more; God has the final say, God knows how to pay you back,
He’s not limited by the laws of nature, or by what people say; when
you go to work each week, remember, you’re not working unto
people, you’re working unto God; if somebody is being dishonest or
playing politics, don’t get upset, don’t try to pay them back, God is
keeping the records, He will make sure you not only get what you
deserve, God will pay you back with even more; this is a new day, it is
payback time, get ready for a double dose of God’s goodness, favor,
God is going to make the enemy pay for bringing the trouble into
your life; instead of complaining about it, get up in the morning and
say, “I know my redeemer lives.” Remember, every difficulty, every unfair
situation, that has qualified you for double; some of you even are
going to see cases settled, restoration, vindication, promotion,
breakthroughs, a promise coming to pass; the God of justice is going
to show Himself strong in your life; you’re not going to just come out,
you’re going to come out better off than you were before.
Rejoice and thank God for payback time.
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Chapter 2
LET GOD TAKE CHARGE
want to encourage you. We all have things in life that come
against us from time to time. Whether it’s a health issue, financial
challenges, addiction, cheating, a disappointment with a loved
one or a child struggling in school; we all face many different
types of storms. Let God take charge to bring total deliverance,
transformation and liberation, and you’ll live a bigger, bolder, more
victorious life than you ever dreamed possible. Just let God take care
of it, surrender it to God and every day you will hear the still and
silent voice telling you what to do and the way to go. He is in charge.
I remember one person who stirred me up to be independent and
have never met her. I have been writing articles on different topics
and share them and most of them are on my LinkedIn. One day I
received a LinkedIn message from a lady asking me whether I could
do First aid Training and I said we could do. I had submitted my
resignation as a Training manager and had three days to clear. She
requested me to forward a quotation and within minutes I had
forwarded it. She replied asking for my number and I gave. At around
4 pm she called me and requested that we talk and thus I should go to
a private place and so I went to a council room. The lady asked me
one question. “Does that organization belong to your grandmother?” What a
rude question from a client. I responded, “No,” She said, “When I
asked you for a quotation, it’s your personal service that I require not the
organization. When I give you the job and you bring in the organization, will that
increase your salary? Don’t be crazy, think outside the box and grow!” She
requested that I draft a quotation and if I don’t have a company name
I talk to a friend to use his. She even told me to buy a book by Pepe
Minambo called Beyond limits to get those limits off my head. She told
I
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me to think of building my own brand not building other people’s
brands and was ruthless and tough talking.
I left the organization on a Friday and the following Monday I
received a call from the lady that the training had been approved and
so that week on a Thursday and Friday I trained 24 security guards
from Hipora Security Solution Company and given a cheque that met all
my bills.
The following Week I received another request for training for the
following month and for one year I had a two days training for the
company every month that would guarantee me enough money to
meet all my monthly bills. See how God took care of me by using a
stranger I have never met to help me get a deal that would sustain me
for a whole year. For just two days every month I would earn enough
even for other expenses. For your information, the lady left the
company a day before I did my first training so we never met. God
used her to introduce me there before she left the company.
Still two months after resigning, I received a call from GSU Training
school Ruaraka to train officers on First Aid and again three days in a
week I was there training different units and companies. This
guaranteed of the following:-
1) To be picked from home and dropped back that means a police
land rover coming for me and a salute at the gate.
2) Some allowances for every training I do.
3) A carton full of goodies and shopping for every unit I train
summing up to 9 packets. One packet had sugar, salt, snacks,
canned fruits, canned milk, canned cereals, canned meat, blue
band, bread jam among other items that could sustain us for a
month and we had a total of nine cartons that means we had
enough to sustain us and donate to others. This is God’s provision
and sustenance. A two days training every month, GSU training
with goodies and the image it gave me when people saw me being
picked and dropped by police vehicles every day. How good it is
to cast all your cares unto the Lord.
1Peter5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I’ve learned that when the enemy attacks, God acts. God doesn’t just
sit back and think, “Well, I wonder what’s going to happen. I wonder what
they’re going to do.” No, God goes to work. You are His most prized
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possession. It says in Psalms,
“God is close to those that are hurting.
God is close to the broken hearted.”
God knows when you’ve gotten
a bad medical report. He knows
when you’re struggling in your
finances. He knows when you’re being mistreated. You may not see
anything happening, but you can be assured that Almighty God is not
only aware, He is at work. He already has the solution. If you will stay
in faith, at the right time, He will release a flood of His power, a flood
of healing, a flood of restoration. He will not only bring you out, He
will bring you out better off than you were before.
Every day, we have opportunities to get upset, be frustrated, or get
offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was
rude to you at the office. Maybe you were doing something that
should have taken one hour and it ended up taking three. Life is full
of inconveniences, but even though we can’t always control our
circumstances, we can control our reaction. I heard somebody say,
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.”
We should always go out each day with a positive attitude, full of hope
and expecting God’s favor. But at the same time, we should recognize
that most days are not going to go exactly as we plan. Remember, we
were created to live in peace. Peace is our position of power. If you
get stressed because you got off schedule or upset because your child
wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offended
you, your fiancée did not call or text, you woke up late, there was
power blackout, what you’re doing is giving away your power. Instead,
make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so
you can live in peace and enjoy the day as the blessing God prepared
for you.
“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is His glory to overlook a
transgression or an offense.”
We all go through disappointments, setbacks and things we don’t
understand. Maybe you prayed for a loved one, but they didn’t get
well. Or, maybe you worked hard for a promotion, but you didn’t get
it. You stood in faith for a relationship, but it didn’t work out.
“Perpetual optimism is a
force multiplier."
Colin Powell
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Proverbs 20:24 says, “Since the Lord is directing our steps, why do we try to
figure out everything that happens along the way?” Instead of trying to find a
reason behind everything that happens, one of the best things you can
do is release it to God and let it go. God is directing you every step of
the way. He has a way of causing all things to work together for your
good. Your part is to trust and release. You may feel weak today, but
God calls you strong. You may feel like a victim, but God calls you a
victor. You may be afraid, but God calls you confident. You may be in
debt, but God calls you prosperous. You may be sick, but God calls
you well. You may be addicted, but God calls you free. You may feel
inadequate, but God calls you well able.
Once upon a time a psychology professor walked around on a stage
while teaching stress management principles to an auditorium filled
with students. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected
they’d be asked the typical “glass half empty or glass half full.” question.
Instead, with a smile on her face, the professor asked, “How heavy is
this glass of water I’m holding?”
Students shouted out answers ranging from eight ounces to a couple
pounds.
She replied, “From my perspective, the absolute weight of this glass doesn’t
matter. It all depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two, it’s
fairly light. If I hold it for an hour straight, its weight might make my arm ache a
little. If I hold it for a day straight, my arm will likely cramp up and feel
completely numb and paralyzed, forcing me to drop the glass to the floor. In each
case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it
feels to me.”
As the class shook their heads in agreement, she continued,
“Your stresses and worries in life are very much like this glass of water. Think
about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and
you begin to ache a little. Think about them all day long, and you will feel
completely numb and paralyzed – incapable of doing anything else until you drop
them.”
It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses and worries. No
matter what happens during the day, as early in the evening as you
can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the night
and into the next day with you. If you still feel the weight of
yesterday’s stress, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to put the glass down.
Overcoming All Odds
48
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or
about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more
than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in
barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable
than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And
why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not
labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed
like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here
today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you- you
of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and
your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and
his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not
worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough
trouble of its own. (Mathew 6:25-34 NIV).
‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you
need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and
minds as you live in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).
So today release every care, concern, offense and disappointment to
God. Choose to keep the peace that He Has given You. Just look
forward to today knowing that He is with YOU, leading YOU in
victory. When you cast your cares unto him and elevate your faith by
thanking Him for what He Has done, is doing and is about to do,
then behind the scene He will work out your divine provision and you
will testify of His goodness. Let go all the worries and let God take
care of it.
Overcoming All Odds
49
Chapter 3
FORGET THE PAST
n December 2006, I was requested to give my personal testimony
at a Kenya Christian Students Fellowship national camp at
Nakuru Boys High School. The hall had more than 2000 students
and I was given 15 minutes to share about my life story. In the
previous Chapter, I have shared about the challenge of stammering
and having a low self-esteem affected me. This was an experience I
had never gone through, the Master of Ceremony had raised their
expectations. I am not sure what I said but when I stood on the pulpit
and was given the Microphone, I don’t remember what I told the
audience for the 10 minutes I spoke. I sat down feeling embarrassed. I
would see people greet and congratulate me for the motivational story
in the following days. I am not sure it was as good. Few weeks later, I
was invited by Nakuru Training and Counseling Institute Patron to
speak at a Sunday service and even though I prepared a sermon on
overcoming all odds, I stood at the pulpit, went blank and even
though I spoke for an hour. I can’t explain what I said yet again,
because I didn’t read even the notes I prepared.
After some months, Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI) invited
me to talk to students on a Friday night and for sure the message I
had prepared vanished and am not sure whether I delivered or
whatever I shared made sense. Time went by and within months I had
preached in more than 10 schools and God was using me in a mighty
way.
I had already mastered the problem of stammering but Self-esteem
really affected me and was feeling inadequate. God was working on
me and giving me opportunities for exposure and with time I have
grown and today I do not have a problem addressing a crowd of even
thousands. I am however, still work in progress relying on God to
guide me what to tell people.
I
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Overcoming All Odds

  • 1. 1
  • 2. Overcoming All Odds 2 OVERCOMING ALL ODDS Explore the Possibilities AMBASSADOR STEVE MBUGUA
  • 3. Overcoming All Odds 3 OVERCOMING ALL ODDS Kenya Copyright © 2018 by Theword Bookstores Publishers. Ambassador Steve Mbugua. P.O. Box 12092-00400 - Nairobi - Kenya Tel. No. (254) 724036078 Email: info@ambstevembugua.co.ke www.ambstevembugua.co.ke Layout and design by Theword Bookstore Publishers. Theword Printing Press. Email: thewordbookstores@gmail.com Cell phone (+254)723335887. P.O Box 59119-00100 - NAIROBI, KENYA © 2018, Ambassador Steve Mbugua. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, are from the New King James Version (NKJV), © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are from the New American Standard Bible®, NASB ®, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1988.
  • 4. Overcoming All Odds 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to my most merciful God for always working behind the scenes in my life. My dearest and patient wife Kezia Mbugua, you are the rock of my life. You are the best in this life, I thank God for you. Your support in this assignment is beyond measure. You have been a blessing every step of the way. To my gracious daughter Zannet Mbugua and son Israel Bryton Mbugua; thank you for always believing in me. You bring me tremendous joy and you are such a blessing. God bless you. I thank all my spiritual sons and daughters who have undergone my mentorship programs. You all inspire me to do more. I also want to thank the wider circle of faithful family and friends whose encouragement and gifts of wisdom gave this story its life. I owe a debt of gratitude to my father, mother and siblings. I thank all my mentors and Pastors, this work is not just the great achievement of one person but of many. It is with that in mind that I realize the words inside this pages are inspired by many. The prayers of others made this come true. I thank Wycliffe Mije for working tirelessly on this book to make the dream come true. I want to thank all that have helped me in many unexplainable ways. You inspired me to think on paper. Once again I thank God through His grace I have this book for you and to His Glory.
  • 5. Overcoming All Odds 5 DEDICATION This book is dedicated to who wants to overcome a challenge and those who are stuck in the yoke of hardship, discouragement and hopelessness. If you believe in the beauty of your dreams. You shall overcome. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” (Nelson Mandela)
  • 6. Overcoming All Odds 6 CONTENTS Acknowledgment 3 Dedication 4 Introduction 6 Chapter 1: Transition 9 Chapter 2: Let God take Charge 43 Chapter 3: Forgot the Past 48 Chapter 4: Let go the Errors and Let God 53 Chapter 5: Run your Race 58 Chapter 6: Your gift will make a Room for you 65 Chapter 7: Wherever your Heart is, there you find your Treasure 70 Chapter 8: Young people have got a Mighty Power to change the world 77 Chapter 9: He makes everything Beautiful at the fullness of time 97 Chapter 10: Stir your Faith and Keep going 107 Chapter 11: Waiting Patiently 116 Chapter 12: You don’t have to Fight every Battle 126 Chapter 13: The secret of Intimacy with God 134 About the Author 144
  • 7. Overcoming All Odds 7 INTRODUCTION nyone who has ever become anything worth writing home about has had to handle fire and brimstone with naked hands, boldly face all obstacles and adversities with courage and determination to score handful of victories. One of the most horrible feelings is being unfit and looking bulky. Shedding dozen kilograms, lowering the cholesterol levels and reducing the BMI is serious work. You have to endure regular and disciplined exercise, embrace new lifestyles and moment of ridicule before you get that appealing body shape that is fit and admired by many. Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition - such as lifting weights and regular exercise - we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity. These odds are very instrumental in shaping our character and personality in pursuit of our destiny. Some of them leave scars, causes loss and paint a groom picture of a hopeless destiny but faced with a positive attitude they become a story of victory and a purpose full life. You shouldn't give up. Fight for yourself and who you are. You've got to go through the worst times in life to get the best. You’ve got to look at challenges with a victor’s mentality. Purpose that the adversity will not leave you bitter but better. The fire will not consume you but refine you to a pure and precious jewel. I have been a member for many years of a Committee known as the Nairobi Security group which comprises of a team of experts from Police, Fire Brigade, UN security Council, National Disaster Management Unit, National Disaster Operation Center, Ambulance companies among other safety and security agencies and when sharing with the experts who you might think are enjoying every bit of their living you realize that they all have a fair share of tribulations that they go through. This includes even the Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, Bishops and even the Presidents. Living in the State House or riding a personal jet doesn’t guarantee you immunity to pain and loss. Even the accomplished suffer setbacks sometimes. The more bitter the lessons, the greater the successes will be. Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcomers. You have to Trace it! Face it! Overcome it! In my past writings more so in my Book Behind the Scenes, I have shared many case studies on how I had to overcome odds in life to later realize that there was a glorious outcome ahead. My life as street boy was a preparation moment for me to receive the spirit of humanity and service to mankind which today is a value that I live for. To be frustrated by my A
  • 8. Overcoming All Odds 8 employers and supervisors was a catalyst for me to quit employment and establish the now Busara Investment Group which has created opportunities for many and impacted lives. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come. Nothing just happens, be strong! Strive and overcome the odds. You might disrespect, disregard and leave your current wife claiming she does not look appealing but that lady which you don’t value can be taken by another man, shown value and love that would make her a queen that you will admire her from a distance and wish she was still yours. A piece of land can be added value from a quarry to a beautiful mall. Sometimes God will allow you to go through a rough path full of adversities for you to get the shape that you will need to be effective as you connect to your destiny. Sometimes God will allow you to lose something valuable to you like a partner, family member, property, business et cetera to give you something better in return. You don't realize what you had until it's gone, but there is a reason for every goodbye. God just chose a different path for you. You don’t have to hold too much to the lost opportunities, properties and life that you miss the abundant grace available to seize new opportunities to possess great things in store for you. God not only gives us the best but the right. You might think that a specific path is the best for you but God knows the right path that will link you to your destiny. It might be a rough path full of adversities but later it’ll give you the stamina that you require to conquer. He takes you to the training ground where you might become a casualty but not succumb. The greatest man on earth is the one who is able to conquer himself; to conquer the obstacles, the pain, the hurts, the scars, the shame, the loss, the fear and boldly face the future with zeal, passion, enthusiasm and courage. He goes against all odds to conquer and win. Many times we are our worst enemy. If we could learn to conquer ourselves, then we will have a much easier time overcoming the obstacles that are in front of us. This book is full of adversities that I had to overcome. I have also in my Books; Dare Not Quit and Behind the Scenes, I had to encounter and overcome the adversary to enjoy great victory. The tests we face in life's journey are not to reveal our weaknesses but to help us discover our inner strengths. We can only know how strong we are when we strive and thrive beyond the challenges we face. Sometimes the injuries and scars that we incur at the training ground become our life if we take them that way. They hinder your progress when you focus on the past, the good old stories of how you became a victim
  • 9. Overcoming All Odds 9 and lost. We do not have to carry the baggage of brokenness to our future. The future is too bright to spoil it with rubbish of our past. You have to learn to wear out the old shell and put up a new covering, a new energy, zeal, attitude, passion and enthusiasm. Let go and let God is the way of life! Everything happens for a reason because God plans your life for you ahead of time. He sees the end from the beginning and lays a plan for your life. Nothing is a surprise to the almighty God. Take it God's way. No one on earth even the Grammy award winners live a life without obstacles. Just like a big highway which will have bends, bumps, corners, police check points and stop overs, life presents both smooth and wavy pathways and it is for us to ride on focusing unto our dreams and great destiny. We should not allow bumps to disrupt our journey to our destiny. We need to be focused and overcome all odds that show up along the path. Life is not always easy to live, but the opportunity to do so is a blessing beyond comprehension. In the process of living, we will face struggles, many of which will cause us to suffer and to experience pain. This pain, loss, disappointment, disgraces and brokenness gives us the experience and stamina that we need in pursuit of our destiny and living a purposeful life. This means we have to overcome them against all odds. We have to become by riding on the waves and storms that life directs to us. We will gain much wisdom and knowledge as we endure through and the experience will not only be beneficial to us but to many around us. Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in horrible bills. The best thing is that our good God does not waste an experience. He allow us to go through some challenges to learn, acquire some stamina, glorify Him in the victory, shape and equip us with crucial lessons that we’ll need later in the pursuit of our destiny. The noise of the sea will never disturb the fish from sleeping. Therefore don’t let anything disturb you, stay focused and determined to be on track on whatever you are pursuing in life, turn a deaf ear to every noise that will distract your attention. God will change your story if only you are determined and prayerful. I urge you to never start a day with the broken pieces of yesterday unless to join them to make a worthy vessel. Every day is a fresh opportunity to venture a new path and write a story. Each day is a new beginning and every morning we wake up is the first day of our new life and because today will never come again we should give it all our best that when we look back tomorrow we will not regret a thing
  • 10. Overcoming All Odds 10 Chapter 1 TRANSITION everal years have now past since the day I submitted my resignation letter as the Training Manager of St. John Ambulance Kenya. I quit an office and desk where I was in charge of all trainings programs in the whole country including training all the Police Officers, over 20,000 volunteers in universities, high schools, primary schools and Government Institutions. I was also the Head of a group of over 72 trainers in the region. It was a dream which whose time had come. One year later, by the grace of God I had trained more people in the region than I did my entire life working with the organization as a National Industrial Training Authority approved trainer, training and developing officer to a training Manager. Through my company Makinika Afrika, I have been able to reach out to many people who could not afford to sponsor themselves for a First Aid or Fire Safety course. I have been able to organize free trainings for boda boda riders under the Makinika Road Safety awareness campaign as well as the Makinika Afrika Community Safety awareness campaign on Drugs and Substance abuse awareness program. I have also given a lot of instructor’s opportunity to earn and share their training experience through this forum. I have distributed thousands of Safety charts and materials to schools, households, churches and other organized groups. In this transition I have attended several media awareness sessions and participated in national disaster and safety related forums. If you are trusting God for any transition, just keep praying, keep pushing, keep pursuing the dream as you wait upon God’s appointed time. You may be trusting Him for a marriage partner, own business or company, a child, salvation, come out from an addiction, promotion, own a property or even political leadership. At His S
  • 11. Overcoming All Odds 11 appointed time, He will make everything beautiful, give you a divine idea, divine strategy, right forum, right and favorable environment and divine connection with the right people and resources. Even though it tarries, wait patiently and keep on believing the right time is coming and God will make everything beautiful. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John16:24). You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John14:14). Let us keep dreaming big. We can be whatever we believe, perceive and confess. There is a great power in our words, imagination and trusting in God. Are you letting a weakness, failure, or shortcoming keep you from letting God do great things in your life? If so, it’s time to shake that off. We all have weaknesses and shortcomings. All of us has unique flaws. But the good news is Paul the Apostle is reminding us that God’s grace is sufficient for you. His power is made perfect in any weakness. In fact, the men God used in the Bible to do extraordinary things were ordinary men and women with flaws, shortcomings, imperfections and weakness. But the key is they were still willing to be used by God. It’s time to get back in the race of life and get your fire back. A friend of mine Julie (not her real name) grew up in a God fearing family. I knew her as a staunch believer and a gifted worshipper. She came from a very strict and protective family. After her secondary school, she joined the university and was actively involved in ministry work. Julie was dating a young man Kim (not his real name) who was a secondary school graduate but struggling with life. When her parents discovered this, they were very furious about the relationship. Later, she became pregnant but unfortunately Kim did not take responsibility which led to the breaking of their relationship. Julie became depressed and it really affected her studies and relationship with others. She was rejected by her family and she was no longer valued by her parents. “Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Robert Schuller
  • 12. Overcoming All Odds 12 After graduating from the university, she struggled alone to take care of her Child in Nairobi and many time she slept without taking meals. She called me several times to assist her buy food and sure enough I hacked to her plea. Several years later, she met a gentleman who loved her whole heartedly together with her baby. She later got married in a colourful church wedding, and today they are blessed, happily married and own a lot of properties. As I write this book, she is many times richer than what her parents owned. She runs a family business and God has really established them. When she thought that it was over; God was not over with her yet. He broke a relationship which probably could not have amounted to much to prepare her for a great gentleman that would together create a lot of wealth. On the side, Kim has never settled down, he is still struggling to make the ends meet. We can only wish him all the best in his endevors. God will bring a divine transition in your life that will amaze you. God is doing a new thing and you will forget your painful past. Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18 NIV). God is making a way where there seems to be no way. He is bringing surprises and coincidences. In your transition God is joining you with the right people, resources and opportunities to your favor. A divine transition is coming into your life that will thrust you to greatness. Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. Get set. 1) YOUR PURPOSE, YOUR LIFE If you knew you were going to die a year from today. What would you do? And how would you want to be remembered? The majority of people don’t like thinking about death. It freaks us out. But thinking about our own death surprisingly has a lot of practical advantages. One of those advantages is that it forces us to
  • 13. Overcoming All Odds 13 zero in on what’s actually important in our lives and what’s just frivolous and distracting. Have you ever thought of the young people who died and left us? Think about Fidel Odinga, Esir, Dr. Myles Munroe, Bishop Ben Bahati, and Cabinet Secretary Nkaissery, a friend or a relative who left you, wondering how the world could be so unfair. On the Monday of 5th December 1983, I was born into this beautiful world. On Sunday 3rd August 2003 at noon, I gave my life to Christ at Deliverance Church Murunyu in Nakuru. This was one of the best things that ever happened to my life and the best decision that I have ever made. On Thursday 26th May 2011 at 11pm, I discovered my purpose. This was after a long fight with the Holy Spirit wanting to know my role in the body of Christ, and after three good hours lying on the floor of my room, the Lord asked me, “what is in your hand?" I responded, “it’s my phone." Then the voice told me to write a text and forward to somebody. I didn't know what to type but miraculously I received a wonderful text from someone. I checked the balance of my airtime and realized I had only 10 shillings. So at around 11:15pm I forwarded the text to 10 friends. My friend! That text did glorious things and everyone who got the text called and others sent replies claiming that God spoke to them through the text. In fact, one of the guy who called back, told me that they were in a hospital after their last born got ill at night and they had a challenge getting a physician but immediately received and read the text, as they were still wondering why the text came to them, the doctor showed up and after one week the gentleman gave his life to Christ. Two years later, while he was accompanying me to my in-laws to pay my dowry, he told me that I led him to Christ through the text I sent that night. A lot of things have happened, I have led hundreds of men and women to Christ by the grace of God. I have preached in several institution from high schools, colleges and even prisons and churches. “The key to happiness is having dreams; the key to success is making them come true." James Allen
  • 14. Overcoming All Odds 14 I have written a lot of articles and publications that are appearing in different churches, institutions and organizations journals to the glory of God. I have always written stuff on Facebook, twitter, linked in, Instagram, Google and other social media platforms and through this God Has always talked to somebody. Today as I sit in my room meditating on what the Lord has done, I feel humbled by His love and faithfulness, surely He Has been good to me and his grace has been sufficient. There is no one like my God. Some of my encouraging Bible verses have been; Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you concerning the path you should walk; I will direct you with my eye." John 14:6,"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Psalm 91:14-16, "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Surely, My God has been good to me, I was a stammerer and could not dare stand and talk infront of people but today here I am, declaring the goodness of God to Nations, His love flowing in me, He has anointed my head and my cup is overflowing. My friend, the secret is knowing God and allowing Him to lead your life and you will never live in regret but will have a purpose driven life, your life will never be the same again. You are His project and He is the project manager and main donor so just surrender your life unto Him and allow Him to lead your life. When I was doing my undergraduate at Moi University Eldoret, there was a time we were having a club dinner at the Soweto mess and I asked members “If you had a year to live, what would you do?” As you can imagine, this is a question without a direct answer. A lot of people gave vague and boring answers. But it did cause people to really think about their lives in a different way and re-evaluate what their priorities were. Our Spiritual leader and my mentor Rev Elijah Mwangi of Deliverance Church Nakuru always declares to us that “You will be mighty in the land.” These words have been lingering in my mind since
  • 15. Overcoming All Odds 15 the time I gave my life to Christ. In my spiritual walk, I do a lot of counseling, motivation and mentorship in schools through Kenya Students Christian Fellowship (KSCF), Young life Africa, NUSETA, Africa Youth Rescue Initiative and my Initiative Makinika Afrika International. One key thing to note, is that every young person out there is hungry to know their purpose on earth. Most of us have no clue what we want to do with our lives. Even graduation, even after we get jobs and even after we are making money. The problem is the concept of “life purpose” itself. The idea that we were each born for a higher purpose and it’s now our cosmic mission to find it. In every human being there is a question of why were you created? What am I in this world for? Am I living my purpose? We exist on this earth for some undetermined period of time. During that time we do things. Some of these things are important. Some of them are unimportant. And those important things give our lives meaning and happiness. The unimportant ones basically helps us connect the important. God gives us what we need to get what we want. What is your legacy going to be? What are the stories people are going to tell when you’re gone? What is your obituary going to say? Is there anything to say at all? If not, what would you like it to say? How can you start working towards that today? Well, if you were to summarize your obituary in one sentence with an ordinary achievement that impresses no one, then again, you’re failing here. When people feel like they have no sense of direction, no purpose in their life, it’s because they don’t know what’s important to them, and they don’t know what their values are. When you have and know your values, then you’re essentially operating in other people’s values and pursuing other people’s priorities instead of your own. This is a one-way ticket to unhealthy living and ultimate misery. Discovering one’s purpose in life essentially boils down to finding those one or two things that are bigger than yourself, and bigger than those around you. To find your purpose, you must get off your couch, take action and take time to think beyond yourself. Think greater than yourself, and paradoxically, to imagine a world without yourself. It has cost me years of reading inspirational books like Purpose driven life by Rick Warren, In Pursuit of purpose by Myles Munroe, Think Big by Ben Carson, Fire Rain and the Bible to discover my purpose.
  • 16. Overcoming All Odds 16 One of the obvious way to understand your purpose is identifying and knowing your purpose. Discovering what you’re passionate about in life and what matters to you is a full-contact sport, a trial-and-error process. None of us know exactly how we feel about an activity until we actually do the activity. What most people don’t understand is that passion is the result of action, not the cause of it. Be careful how you spend each day. Do not be led by programs and plans from other people, but have your own values. To live a happy and healthy life, we must hold on to values that are greater than our own pleasure or satisfaction. Mr. Chris Kirubi one of the greatest Business tycoons, always says that if you want to count yourself successful, just Identify one problem in the world and try fixing it. Getting a solution to a problem leads to a successful living. Discover a problem you care about and start solving it. Obviously, you’re not going to fix the world’s problems by yourself. But you can contribute and make a difference. The feeling of making a difference in itself is ultimately what’s most important for your own happiness and fulfillment. Great things are by nature unique and unconventional. Therefore, to achieve them, we must overcome all odds, the hard mental conditioning which tends to scare us from accomplishing things. Embrace embarrassment. Feeling foolish is part of the path to achieving something important, something meaningful. The more a major life decision scares you, chances are the more you need to be doing it. Right now, there’s something you want to do, something you think about doing, something you fantasize about doing, yet you don’t do it. You have your reasons, no doubt. And you repeat these reasons to yourself day in day out. My friend that could be where your purpose is and your prosperity. Whatever it is, don’t just look at the activities that keep you up all night, but look at the cognitive principles behind those activities that enthrall you. Because they can easily be applied elsewhere.
  • 17. Overcoming All Odds 17 People want to start their own business or become financially independent. But you don’t end up a successful entrepreneur unless you find a way to appreciate the risk, the uncertainty, the repeated failures, and working insane hours on something you have no idea whether will be successful or not. People want a partner or a spouse. But you don’t end up attracting someone amazing without appreciating the emotional turbulence that comes with weathering rejections, building the sexual tension that never gets released, and staring blankly at a phone that never rings. It’s part of the game of love. You can’t win if you don’t play. Everybody wants something. And everybody wants something enough. They just aren’t aware of what it is they want, or rather, what they want “enough.” Who you are is defined by the values you are willing to struggle for. People who enjoy the struggles of a gym are the ones who get in good shape. People who enjoy long workweeks and the politics of the corporate ladder are the ones who move up it. People who enjoy the stresses and uncertainty of the starving artist lifestyle are ultimately the ones who live it and make it. Everything involves sacrifice. Everything includes some sort of cost. Nothing is pleasurable or uplifting all of the time. So the question is. What struggle or sacrifice are you willing to tolerate? Ultimately, what determines our ability to stick with something we care about is our ability to handle the rough patches and ride out the inevitable rotten days. This is the most simple and basic component of life: our struggles determine our successes. So choose your struggles wisely, my friend. If it’s going to happen, it’s up to you. You have greatness in you, you have the seed of greatness in you because if you are born again then you are a royal priesthood, a chosen nation and set apart by God to enjoy the goodies of the kingdom.
  • 18. Overcoming All Odds 18 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9, NIV). God’s dream for your life is so much bigger than your own. He wants to bless you and enlarge your territory. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours, and His plan is so much bigger than we can imagine. Choose today to focus on the good things God has in store for you. Don’t allow the circumstances of life to drag your thoughts down. Choose God’s thoughts by meditating on His Word. The Scripture declares, “Set your mind on things above.” Those “things above” are God’s thoughts and His ways. Having higher thoughts means thinking, “I am blessed and highly favored. I am above only and not beneath. I am the head and not the tail. I am a victor, not a victim. I am righteous, and my path shines brighter and brighter to the full day!” When you allow those higher thoughts to fill your mind, they will direct your steps. You will see yourself as an overcomer and live the abundant life God has in store for you. And the Lord answered me; “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:2) My friend, you may be going through a situation in life that could be making you feel like God is so far from you, and, probably feeling like He is not fair with you. Just know that the situation is not meant to finish you but give you a great experience and testimony just like the experience David got when he faced the bear, the lion and Goliath before being crowned the king. Our God is a God of abundance and His intentions for you is to make you prosper and live a hopeful life. He is working behind the scene on your behalf just like what He does to a caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly. “Every achiever I have ever met says, 'My life turned around when I began to believe in me.” Robert Schuller
  • 19. Overcoming All Odds 19 Don’t fear when you see like part of your life has a state of inadequacy He doesn’t provide almost enough, maybe enough or barely enough. He provides more than enough in every area of our lives. With God, there is no such thing as ordinary. He can change any situation and use anything to serve His purpose. My trust in God flows out of the experience of his loving me, day in and day out, whether the day is stormy or fair, whether I'm sick or in good health, whether I'm in a state of grace or disgrace. He comes to me where I live and loves me as I am. Our key to greatness lies not in our ability to project ourselves to others as if we are putting ourselves onto a projector and creating an image of ourselves on a projector screen. Rather, our key to greatness lies in who we are which we can give to other people in a way that when they walk away from us, they are able to say in their hearts that they have taken away something with them quite extraordinary. Embedded in the larger story of redemption is a principle we must not miss: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others and He will use you. Sometimes we may ask God for success, and He gives us physical and mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals. Whatever we are waiting for - peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance - it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart. The LORD will come as he did against the Philistines at Mount Perazim and against the Amorites at Gibeon. He will come to do a strange thing; he will come to do an unusual deed. (Isaiah 28:21). Today is the day to lift your expectations. Believe for something radical - a radical healing, promotion, a restoration, that unexpected call, breakthrough. When you decide to stand in faith and believe for God’s best, doing what God calls you to do, the results will be greater than you ever imagined. Focus on pursuing and serving your purpose in your generation. This is the secret to a fruitful and fulfilling life. You have a special
  • 20. Overcoming All Odds 20 assignment that only you are meant to handle. There is a gap that only you can fill. May God give you divine knowledge to discover and pursue it. 2) EVERY SETBACK IS A SETUP FOR A GREAT COMEBACK When I was a pupil at Kamurunyu primary school, I loved art and craft subject. We made a lot of items some from wood, clay, paper, metal, paper mache and the end product was always great. When making clay vessels like pots, jars and flower vessels, sometimes the outcome would not be gratifying so we had to crush it, soften it and start all over again to make a different vessel. The first one would face a setback because it did not satisfy and our intention was not to harm but to give it a more noble and worthy appearance that would be admired. It’s easy to think that because we aren’t where we want to be in life, or we’ve made poor decisions or faced unfortunate setbacks that God’s plans for our life are over. Nothing you have done or haven’t done can cancel you from your destiny as long as you keep God first place and continually seek and obey Him. When you don’t see a way, God can make a way. When it looks like it’s over, God has the final say. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But we are not our mistakes, we are not our struggles, and we are here now with the power to shape another day and our future. Every single thing that has ever happened in our life is preparing us for a moment that is yet to come in our future. Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. People often say that a bad event is a 'blessing in disguise.' Trust me, experience will teach you that some are unbelievably well disguised. Everyone gets fired, or decides to make a radical change at some point. Everyone suffers setbacks. Even President Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta once was a presidential candidate and was defeated. He learnt some lessons and there was a major comeback 10 years later.
  • 21. Overcoming All Odds 21 We all go through things in life that we don’t understand, but did you know that God uses the dark places in our life as part of His divine plan? Take a journey through the scriptures in this inspirational message and see how many people that did anything great went through a dark place but developed new potential in that valley. See how God enlarged David and adopt his faith-filled declaration in, “God enlarged me in my time of distress.” (Psalm 4:1). The dark places are where you really grow. That’s where your character is developed; that’s when you learn to trust, to persevere, where your spiritual muscles are getting stronger. Take a new look at facing dark times and discover the God-given growth and potential inside of you that you never knew you had as you learn about the plan of the valley and our trials. We all face situations that seem impossible, and it’s very easy to want to give up, to throw in the towel. After all, if it’s taken a while, sometimes it’s easy to settle, get discouraged and think nothing will ever change. But that’s where our faith kicks in, that’s where winning process begin. So many men and women in the Bible who were used greatly by God knew a secret - they were “nevertheless” people. They knew that if they were going to see the thing they were believing for, or see the thing God had promised them come to pass, they had to hold on to their trust in God and daily persevere and release their faith. Don’t give up on the promise God has placed in your heart. I'm proud of the way I've dealt with setbacks. It's hard when you feel down and you think, 'Why is the world doing this to me?' But you have to pick yourself up again. That's what makes you a better athlete, a better skipper, a stronger person, a winner, a champion. Even the accomplished suffers setbacks sometimes. The more bitter the lessons, the greater the successes will be. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28). I think whether you're having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to always display a winning attitude.
  • 22. Overcoming All Odds 22 There have been setbacks, illnesses and other obstacles, so inevitably I've had disappointments. But once you realise that things can't always go your own way, you're on the right track to being able to handle your own life. I've had disappointments and heartbreaks and setbacks and roles I didn't get, but something always came along that either made me better or was an even better role. Am not strong, I have known pain and disgrace, I have known and faced rejection, hatred and disappointments but these setbacks have made me strong to the extent of writing motivational stories and testimonies connected to some of these moments. I am someone who always gets up again, even if there are setbacks. I have a survivor’s instinct. I'm not sure where it comes from, but probably from all the little things that make me into who I am. You have to realize that illness and temporary l setbacks at times comes from the hand of God, to help us know ourselves better, to free us from the love of created things, and to makes us become bold and brave to overcome all the odds that life would bring. God allows odds to come to us, when He realizes that we have gone away. When we stops to trust and acknowledge Him. He allows odds to come, until we come back to Him. Setbacks are just learning experiences. In other words, don't expect to always be great. Disappointments, failures and setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a company and what the leader has to do is constantly be up and say 'we have a problem, let's go and get it done'. You have to keep pushing towards your dreams no matter the setbacks. Take note, everybody has setbacks in their life, and everybody falls short achieving the goals they set for themselves. That's part of the process of finding and understanding who you are. Every single thing that happens in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come. Nothing just happens, be strong. If you so choose, even the unexpected setbacks can bring new and positive possibilities. If you so choose, you can find value and fulfillment in every circumstance. “All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers." Orison Swett Marden
  • 23. Overcoming All Odds 23 You will find that every successful entrepreneur has suffered many setbacks. These entrepreneurs just forget to mention these when they are doing interviews with the Young Rich, Jeff Koinange, CNN, BBC etc. A successful entrepreneur can't be afraid of failures or setbacks. An initial setback can be a great opportunity to take a new and more promising approach to any problem, to come back stronger than ever. I contend that not only can you laugh at adversity, but it is essential to do so if you are to deal with setbacks without defeat. Competition got me off the farm and trained me to look for challenges but endure setbacks. This blended with my faith, it sustains me in the fight with Nairobians to create an impact and acquire wealth. Life is too short to waste doing nothing, make every day count, because we all don't know when we will leave this world. Cherish every moment you have with loved ones and never regret anything in life, because everything happens for a reason. Look at every day and smile that God has kept you alive, because there's nothing sweeter than life. Every struggle arises for a reason for experience or a lesson. A great journey is never easy, and no dose of adversity along the way is ever a waste of time if you learn and grow from it. You don't realize what you had until it's gone, but there is a reason for every goodbye. God just chose a different path for you... Everything happens for a reason, although we may not understand it at the time, if you hang in there, all the pieces will eventually fall where they belong. Everything happens for a reason. Life puts you down, only so you can get back up for the better things. Live life, forgive and forget. Let go of the past Everything happens for a reason. That reason causes change. Sometimes the change hurts. Sometimes the change is hard. But in the end it’s all for the best. “Every achiever I have ever met says, 'My life turned around when I began to believe in me.” Robert Schuller
  • 24. Overcoming All Odds 24 Just Smile my friend, today would be a wonderful day not to take life so seriously. Today may end up the way you prefer, and it may not. Happiness is not about being a winner; it's about being gentle with life, being gentle with you. Let life be a dance, and choose the kind of dance you want for today, perhaps a gentle loving dance. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But we are not our mistakes, we are not our struggles, and we are here now with the power to shape another day and our future. Every single thing that has ever happened in our life is preparing us for a moment that is yet to come in our future. Remember, God didn’t come just to make you better and help you get by. He came to make you totally whole, and He desires that you to live an abundant, healthy, happy, victorious life. When God gives you a dream and puts a promise in your heart, most often, there is a delay. A lot of people give up in the face of opposition and let their dream become buried under discouragement, past mistakes, rejection, negative voices and failure. But that doesn’t have to be you. Your dream may be buried, but the good news is that it’s still alive. It’s not too late to see it come to pass. God promises in (Joel 2:25) to restore to you the lost years. It’s time to remember your dream and believe again. You might have felt like you have been dropped and retired from the track of your dream but God is using that setback to prepare you, to re-tire and re-equip you to come and finish strong just like in football, the half time break is crucial to make some crucial change and sometimes to get a status changing advice not an end to the game. What happened in the halftime even if it could be a loss can be converted into a win depending on the activities done during the half time. You can’t live very long without being dropped in life - dropped by an illness, a delay, financial constraints, a divorce, a friend that turns on you, or an unfair injustice. Many people let these moments define who they are and how they will live the rest of their lives. There will always be things in life that we don’t understand or don’t make sense. It may even be an unanswered prayer or situation in your life that you’ve earnestly sought God to change for years. When this happens, it’s very easy to focus on what’s not changing, which can rob
  • 25. Overcoming All Odds 25 us of our joy and faith. But, there is a higher way to live. See your secret frustrations a bit differently with a fresh godly perspective. “My grace is sufficient for you. My power works best in weakness.” You have the grace for anything you’re facing. You can’t live very long without making a mistake, being hurt by someone, going through a breakup, being broken by divorce, an unhealthy childhood or an addiction. The key is to move forward and let it go. God can use an obstacle to be your stepping stone. No matter how large an obstacle may be, God is much bigger than anything we may face. We all go through difficulties, setbacks and loss. In fact, pain is a part of life. Many people allow their pain to cripple them and keep them stuck, causing them to miss out on the next level that God was preparing them to go. This doesn’t have to be you. Nothing is a surprise to God. He wants to use your pain to grow you and prepare you to give birth to a new level of your destiny. If you’re dealing with a painful situation today, you will find encouragement. That pain is not there to stop you; it’s there to develop, prepare and increase you for the greater work God wants to do in your life. A new level is coming. Sometimes you have to lose something to gain something better. If you look back over your life and recall the times you really grew and came up higher, most often, it was the times of difficulty where your faith grew, and you were stretched beyond your limits. Did you know that these growing times are all part of God’s plan? These ordained seasons do not show up in our lives by accident. They are placed there on purpose to grow us, equip us and prepare us for our future. You’ll be inspired to stay in faith and be equipped to go through the pruning seasons. It’s time to go to a new level and flourish into your destiny. Gain wisdom in this faith-building message so you’ll be ready and prepared in every season. Being a person of faith doesn’t exempt you from difficulties. "Rain falls on the just and the unjust." (Matthew 5:45), No matter how good a person you are, no matter how much you honor God, there’s going to be some rain in your life. But the good news is that God's strength will equip you every step of the way, and you’re not alone.
  • 26. Overcoming All Odds 26 Psalm 18:39 says, "You have armed me with strength for the battle." So don’t be afraid of storms and trials. Be inspired and reminded that you’re coming up higher; you’re reaching a new level. The storms may come, the winds may blow, but with God by your side, you will stand and thrive. The God of the storm is the same God who heals, binds up wounds, teach our fingers for battle and teach our hands to make wealth. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."(Psalm 30:5) His rays of restoration, hope, healing and abundance are closer than you think. It's time to have faith again. When you’re in the valley, if you’ll stay in faith knowing that God has something better, He’ll take those tears and turn them into pools to refresh you. You’ll have the strength you need for every situation. You will come out stronger and better. God sees the bigger picture for your life. He knows where every road is leading and where the dead ends are. “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” (Proverbs 20:24). When you realize you are in the palm of God’s hand and that nothing happens without His divine purpose, then you will begin to see and realize that the closed doors are just as important as the open doors. Over time as a growing entrepreneur, I have come to appreciate the fact that competition help us do things better and grow. One of the competitors to my company in the line of Training is Kenya Red Cross and St. John Ambulance and for me to acquire more trainings, I have to regularly study what they do and then ensure my team improve and have better tactics and strategies. Do not view your competitor as an enemy because it’s through them that you can scale heights. Intelligent people think that the enemy teaches them how to march towards success, because, the adversary is the best type of mirror with reflects our defects through pen or tongue. It decreases our pride and arrogance and, sometimes, helps in uplifting our hidden abilities. The advances of the east and the west are the consequence of competition. If competitions come to end, capabilities would not flower. Thus, if there were no struggle between individuals or masses the progress in new inventions too would become stagnant.
  • 27. Overcoming All Odds 27 Sometimes we do not do things to our expectation, sometimes we fail but regardless of the setback we must know that it’s part of the process. It’s like a road bump on the road which is not an end to the journey. One of the secrets of success is that we should not fear failures. Rather, we must pick up the sweet fruits hidden in defeat. Failure is like a mirror, which shows us our weaknesses and defects accurately. I love action movies, in all the movies the starling never dies. They fight to the end. Occasionally, they are crushed and almost to death but there is always the great come back – revenge time. History shows that many victories came after defeats. It is so because the failed person enters the field again with a new determination and spirit and achieves success as he is convinced that the distance between success and failure is very less. Champions have a finishing stamina. They never give up, they fight to the end whether bruised or fatigued. They continue to march forward gradually with a strong will and rest only after reaching their goal. A well-known Army commander called Napoleon once said, “I have seen so many defeats that I have now learnt how to defeat the enemy.” That is positivity. The worst thing to lose is hope. It is hope that keeps us going regardless of the set back. It is also said that sometimes hope remains hidden behind hopelessness and disappointment. Hope follows hopelessness. The remarkable point is that the existence of difficulties is one of the causes of success. Some people do not realize this easily, but if they think over it they would realize that just as the heat of fire strengthens steel, difficulties and hardships make the imagination and thinking of man more sharp and teach him the lesson of living. The setbacks are very crucial ingredients and catalysts to success. You require them to get the important lessons and experiences that will help you remain on top. The best soldiers are the once who have been involved in different wars and fights. Strong and powerful people are those who were brought up amidst difficulties and hardships because they alone knew how to cope up with adversities, but those who are nourished in comfort and ease are like delicate and tender flowers, which fall down even by a cold whiff of breeze.
  • 28. Overcoming All Odds 28 Thomas Edison tried two thousand different materials in search of a filament for the light bulb. When none worked satisfactorily, his assistant complained, “All our work is in vain. We have learned nothing.” Edison replied very confidently, “Oh, we have come a long way and we have learned a lot. We know that there are two thousand elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb.” Setbacks and difficulties provide steps to climb the ladder to success. Some of the very successful people have either been brought up in ghettos or rural set up where they had to go through setbacks and life’s challenges. Most of those who always get what they desire, are always protected and from well up families have challenges coping with life on their own. But those who have suffered hazards and tough times keep standing like mountains. Stormy winds cannot harm them at all. Similarly floods always digs up soft ground but hard soil remains intact amidst floods. A knife becomes sharper only after being grinded on hard rock or against another metal, it is the same truth. Torments and tribulations polish man’s personality, because he uses his mental faculties for removing difficulties. Hence wise people say that games and sports raise the mental abilities of a child because in the course of games and sports he faces some sort of difficulties and uses his intelligence to remove them. From this viewpoint, unless there are storms of difficulties many capabilities cannot grow. Hardships and calamities are like a strict teacher whose students score the best marks. A setback is nothing but a setup for a comeback. Everything happens for a reason, though the reason is not always as clear as we would like it to be. My dear friend, the bad times are the good times to move ahead…despite the setbacks you have been going through and your hard work not being appreciated of which the Lord has been watching, your time to rise has come. You have endured and gone through a painful, discouraging moment full of questions without answers and sometimes wondering whether God still cares. “Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions." Albert Einstein
  • 29. Overcoming All Odds 29 You are going to a season where you are about to experience great breakthrough after breakthrough because what you went through did not break you. There was once a man who was ship-wrecked and stranded on an island. Every day he prayed asking God to send someone to rescue him, but to his disappointment, no one ever came. Months passed and this man learned how to survive on the island. During this time, he accumulated things from the island and stored them in a hut that he constructed. One day after hunting for food and returning back to his hut, much to his dismay he saw that his hut was on fire along with everything else he owned. All of his possessions were going up in smoke. The only thing he had left were the clothes on his back. Initially he was in shock, and then he was consumed with anger and rage. In his fury he threw a fist into the air and began cursing God and yelling, “God, how could you let this happen to me? I’ve been praying every day for months about being rescued and no one has come, and now everything that I have is on fire! How could you do to this to me! Why did you let this happen?” Later the man was on his hands and knees weeping heavily when he happened to look up and catch sight of a ship coming in his direction. The man was rescued and as they were heading back to civilization the man asked the Captain, “How were you able to find me?” The captain responded, “We were voyaging across the ocean when we noticed on the horizon a column of smoke going up. We decided to go check it out and when we did, that’s when we found you!” In life we are going to be confronted with challenges, problems, and disasters. But keep in mind that what the devil has meant for bad, God can transform into your good. What is a catastrophe can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:17-19).
  • 30. Overcoming All Odds 30 You are not breaking down, you are breaking through. Arise now my friend because your time to shine has come and you will never be the same again, never, never be the same again in Jesus name. 3) GOD STILL VOICE At no point in history was God ever silent. God has always communicated with his people in some way or another. We can be rest assured that if God wants something said, it will be heard. It thus explains to us not to determine whether God speaks today, but how He does it. I have over time developed a culture of creating time to just listen to God without saying anything or without giving any instruction. I prepare a note book, writes minutes of the meeting with God and start listening as I take notes. Sometimes I place a chair and assume He is seated right opposite and sometimes He asks questions and I respond. Sometimes I had meetings with God that I end up writing pages of information, instructions and directions. Sometimes He directs me on preparing a plan or art work for something and He coach me through it. It is very fulfilling. Just try this and you will testify about it. Do you ever find that when people are talking, your mind is racing so fast thinking about what you are going to say instead of really listening? You are preparing to give an answer or give your opinion rather than careful listen in between the lines. In scripture, we see God’s voice is not the loudest one out there. Many voices of the world are vying for your attention. You have to be intentional in order to hear His voice. His voice is still and quiet, and so we must be still and quiet in order to hear Him. It is less important how God speaks to us than what we do with what He says. God speaks most clearly to us in this day through His Word. The more we learn it, the more ready we will be to recognize His voice when He speaks, and the more likely we are to obey what we hear. We often look for God to move in and out of the ordinary manner. We often miss the supernatural looking for the spectacular. God speaks to us today through His written Word. We must read it, study it, and meditate on it. When we do so, logically we learn more of His
  • 31. Overcoming All Odds 31 mind. Then the Holy Spirit makes that Word applicable to us at the right times. Most people are always directly to seeking approval from others thus lose track “What do you mean I have to wait for someone's approval? I'm someone. I approve. So I give myself permission to move forward with my full support!” You have two voices, one that only you hear, and another that you speak out loud with, so others hear you. Regardless of what you actually say with your mouth, what matters is what your inner voice says, for this is the one you listen to the most.” and this is the voice that should be leading you. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21). This is a year of opportunities for you and me, It is not very often that an opportunity comes knocking. But when it does, you better be bathed and dressed and ready to answer its call. It comes with a deep conviction and you have to listen to your heart to get that conviction. It favors the prepared. We have an internal check and balance system. By design we are so filled with possibility, opportunity, with greatness that when we live small, within the bottom of our capability, we innately know we should be living greater than that, and it creates a disconnect inside that leads us to feeling empty, unhappy, maybe even depressed. In life, you will always be faced with a series of God-ordained opportunities brilliantly disguised as problems and challenges. On 30th July 2014, my friend who was working as a field officer with a local NGO lost her job in an unclear circumstances and when she was at home wondering about the next move, with a great conviction to shift with her family to their parent's rural home, her younger daughter got sick and she took her to Kenyatta National Hospital and upon arrival at the casualty area she found a clinical officer who recognized her and ushered them in. To her surprise, the clinical officer was once her nanny and because of the way she treated her well during the two years they lived together and encouraged her to save and pursue her medical carrier, the patient was taken care of and apart from that, the clinical officer informed the lady(her former boss) of a project that USAID and DFID were about to launch in that area and were about to advertise for a Programs Manager job and
  • 32. Overcoming All Odds 32 connected her to the contact person, in summary, the lady is now working in the project having a 9yrs contract and earning 4times her previous salary, hefty allowances and traveling regularly to different countries. My friend you may be in a painful, challenging or even confused state wondering about the next move but just know that what you are going through right now is an opportunity for breakthrough disguised as challenges. Could be there are people giving you negative opinions, someone decide to break your heart, your business giving you a warning sign or contract ends abruptly and you are at the verge of giving up, listen, there is another voice inside telling you not to give up. Follow that voice from God. Get set, square up your shoulders, arise and shine, get set for a major come back for the Lord is saying, "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the LORD is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:17). It’s our season of restoration, kingdom manifestation and opportunities in Jesus mighty name. Every day when I wake up in the morning, I set aside 30 minutes, not to pray and study the word though I have allocated time for that in the morning and evening, but to listen. I have always received instructions from God on how to start the day, how to handle a situation that would arise, what need to be stocked in our shops and how to respond to some clients. When I follow the instructions the results have been amazing. Make hearing His voice a priority in your life. Set aside time each day to just listen. Develop a hearing heart so that you can know His voice and understand His ways. 4) KEEP THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE Over time my life has been moving in high speed and this is after realize who I am, the divine potential in me and how God intended me to live. I have clearly laid down Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that I stick to.
  • 33. Overcoming All Odds 33 Sometimes thoughts of my past failures and life’s challenge have tried to talk to me and remind me of who I was but I don’t entertain them. Sometimes when on national TV being interviewed I get some thoughts trying to remind me that I was a stammerer and a village lad but I have to always fight these thoughts because even though that is how I was it’s not who I am today. If you don’t take control of your thought life, then every hurt, every criticism, every derogatory comment will play again and again. I am tempted to be insecure, to feel inferior, and lose my confidence. But I had to keep reminding myself, “I know God made me like I am on purpose. I might have been with some weaknesses before, but God says I’m a masterpiece. They may have rejected me, but God says He accepts me and that is final.” It says in 1 Peter 2:9, “You have been chosen by God Himself.” People may leave you out. People may overlook you. But always remember, the One who matters most chooses you. That means you weren’t randomly chosen. God, on purpose, looked at you and said, “I choose him. I choose her. They’re My son. They’re My daughter. That’s who I want on My team.” People may tell you, “You’re just too small.” But God says, “You’re just the right size for Me.” People may say, “You’re not talented. We don’t need you. You don’t have anything to offer.” But God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are talented. You are creative. You are anointed. You are smart. You are intelligent. You are amazing and You have what am looking for to fulfill my purpose.” Whenever we feel that sting of rejection, instead of getting down on ourselves and losing our sense of value, our attitude should be, “I may be disappointed. This may hurt. But I’m not going to sink down into self-pity and start thinking that there is something wrong with me. I know the One who matters most, the one who controls the universe, handpicked me. I may not have been chosen by the coach, the boss, or a friend, but I was chosen by the Most High God; and He says that His plans for me are for good and not evil, to give me a future and a hope.” I know some of you have gone through more than your share of unfair situations. But here’s what I’ve learned. Even though life is not fair, God is fair. Do not go around thinking there is something wrong with you, but instead start seeing yourself as handpicked by God - valuable, lovable, with something great to offer — then God said He
  • 34. Overcoming All Odds 34 will pay you back double for your former shame. That means He’ll make the rest of your life twice as good as it would have been if that had never even happened to you, just like He did to Job. But you’ve got to dig your heels in. Don’t allow what somebody did or didn’t do steal your destiny and cause you to go through life feeling not good enough, not talented, not attractive. No, realize that you’re a child of the Most High God. Your value doesn’t come from people or accomplishments; it comes from your Creator. Put your shoulders back. Hold your head up high. Live with confidence. God said He will take what was meant for your harm and use it for your advantage. Friends, people may reject you, but God accepts you. He’s already chosen you, and He’s the One that matters most. He has a way of working everything out for our good. And it’s always better than we could have ever imagined. When David faced Goliath, he never called him a giant. Everybody else did. They talked about his size, his strength, and his skill. But David called Goliath an uncircumcised Philistine. He never even gave him credit for being that big. Here's the key: David didn't deny it, but he didn't dwell on it. His attitude was; "If I'm magnifying anything I'm magnifying the source of my strength. I'm talking about God's greatness. I'm not focusing on how big my problems are. I'm focusing on how big my God is." His brothers and the other Israelites were afraid and intimidated, wondering what they were going to do. When David told them he wanted to fight Goliath they said, "You can't fight him, you're just a kid, you're too small, you don't have a chance, you are just a young shepherd of our father’s little flock." But David had a different perspective. He knew if God be for him, who would be against him? He knew he was strong in the Lord. David knew he wasn't alone, that all the forces of Heaven were backing him up. They tried to warn him, "David, you better be careful, he is going to skin you alive. Goliath is too big to hit." “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." Bertrand Russell
  • 35. Overcoming All Odds 35 David said, "No he's too big to miss.”He went out, stood before Goliath and said, "You come against me with a sword and a shield, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of Israel!" David was magnifying his God, talking about God's goodness. This teenage boy, half the giant's size with no chance in the natural, defeated this huge giant. How? He had the right perspective. Change your mindset and set your perspective right. This attracts forces of nature to team up with you towards your success. Obama faced the Americans and told them, “Yes! We can!” and he became the first black American president. Julius Yego took a javelin and said, “Yes! I can!” went to You Tube and became the world greatest. When I met my wife, she was a beautiful lady leading a worship band at Githurai 45 Full Gospel church and working as a music instructor in one of the music school in Nairobi called Potters Touch Music School and I said, “Yes! I can!” I faced her and did my best to win her heart and today we are happily married. "Do not be intimidated by your enemies." (Philippians 1:28). You may be like David, up against a big giant right now; a giant of debt, a giant of sickness, a giant of joblessness, a giant legal problem. It's so big, it looks impossible in the natural. You could easily be overwhelmed and thing, "I don't have a chance." No, God is saying, "Don't be intimidated. Those for you are greater than those against you. Put your shoulders back and hold you head up high. You are not weak, defeated, or powerless; you are a child of the Most High God, anointed, equipped, and well able. Don't you dare shrink back and think, "It's just too big. It's been this for too long. My property is never going to sell. I'll never break this addiction, I'll never accomplish my dreams, I will never get married...'" No, set your mindset right. Do as David did, get a new perspective. You are full of can-do power. The greatest force in the universe is breathing in your direction. There is no challenge too tough for you, no enemy too big, no sickness too great, and no dream too far off. We all face challenges, but it's not the size of the problem that's important, it's our perception of the problem; it's how big or small we make it in our minds. When Moses sent twelve men to spy out the
  • 36. Overcoming All Odds 36 Promised Land, ten came back and said, "We'll never defeat them. There are giants in the land." But the two other spies, Joshua and Caleb, came back with a different report. They said, "Yes the people are big, but our God is bigger. We are well able to take the land. Let us go." Both groups saw the same giants and the same situation; the only difference was their perspective. One group focused on the size of their God, the other group focused on the size of their enemy. Out of the two million people camped next door to the Promised Land, only two made it in, Joshua and Caleb. Could it all be that your perspective is keeping you out of your promised land? If you see your challenges as impossible and you tell yourself, "I'll never get out of debt and I'll never overcome this sickness, and I'll never accomplish my dreams." then just like them, your wrong perspective can keep you from becoming all God's created you to be. Just declare, ‘I am blessed for success. I am in it to win it. I will not let what somebody said about me, this rejection, this breakup, this closed door, this disappointment, or this sickness cause me to get sour. God strategically placed me here. I will succeed because God is for me, and He will provide everything I need.’ What you focus on, you magnify. If you stay focused on your problem or what you don't have and how it will never work out, all you're doing is making it bigger than it really is. When you magnify something you don't change the size of an object; you only change your perception of it. That was why David said, "Magnify the Lord with me." He was saying if you want to make something bigger, then don't make your problems bigger, don't make the medical report bigger, and don’t make the opposition bigger. Learn instead to make God bigger. We were not created to just get by with average, unrewarding or unfulfilling lives. God created us to leave our marks on our generations. Every person has seeds of greatness planted within by the Creator. When life weighs upon us, pushing us down, limiting our thinking, labeling us in negative ways, we have what it takes to overcome and rise above into the fullness of our destinies.
  • 37. Overcoming All Odds 37 When you break though in your mind, believing you can rise higher and overcome obstacles, then God will unleash the power within that will enable you to go beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary life you were designed to live. You are blessed and highly favored. God has written your name on His palm that He may not forget you. Your yesterday challenges and breakdowns are nothing compared to your tomorrows breakthroughs and open doors, just unleash the power in you by having the right perspective, a victor’s mentality, so a rise and shine. Remember, God has a great plan for your life and He will never leave you or forsake you. He wants to make you an example of His goodness! 5) GOD IS YOUR VINDICATOR AND WILL BRING JUSTICE INTO YOUR LIFE Are you hurting inside because of something done to you and is full of pain, bitterness and unable to forgive? I once was in such a situation after somebody attacked me and cut my right ear with a sword almost cutting it off but I later forgave him and shared the love of Christ with him. Here’s the good news: God is no respecter of persons. If He vindicated me, He will vindicate you. If He will restore what the devil stole from me, He will restore what the devil stole from you. So I challenge you right now, instead of complaining day and night about what the enemy has done in your life, try praying day and night for God’s justice. Are you desperate enough for God’s justice in your life that you’ll persist in day and night prayer until you see Him move? “Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7-8). Do you believe that God is your vindicator? Is anything too hard for God? I don’t know who has maligned you, who has done you wrong, or what the enemy has stolen from you. But what I am absolutely confident of is that God is your vindicator. If you believe it, and you persist in prayer for justice, day and night, you can assure someone else of our just God’s vindicating power too. Only believe.
  • 38. Overcoming All Odds 38 Are you in an emotional prison today? You may not have thought about it that way, but if you are holding unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who has wronged you - whether it was five, ten or thirty years ago - that is an emotional prison. God’s Word promises that if you’ll step out of that prison and become a prisoner of hope, He will restore back to you double for your trouble. That means if someone wrongs you, instead of getting negative and bitter, your attitude should be, “They just did me a favor. They just qualified me for double!” That’s the attitude of a prisoner of hope. Lock into the attitude of victory that says, “I will not be defeated! It may look impossible, but I know God can do the impossible. They may have treated me wrongly, but I’m not worried. I know God is my vindicator. It may be taking a long time, but in due season, I know I will reap if I just don’t give up.” Stay strong and in the place of hope knowing that you will come out with double for your trouble! When you do something to the best of your ability because you want to honor God, it opens the door to His blessing. That means it will be easier, it will go better, and you will accomplish more. That’s why no matter what we do, we should give it our best. This is especially true even in the little things, like when you’re washing the dishes or mowing the lawn, don’t drag around sour and frustrated. Mow with enthusiasm. Mow like you’re on a mission from God. Every step you make, thank God for the legs. Thank Him because of health and stregnth. At the office, don’t just do enough to get by. You’re not working unto people; you’re working unto God. Do it with your whole heart. When you volunteer at church, don’t wake up and think, “Awe, man. Why did I volunteer? I want to sleep in!” No, serve Him with all your heart because that’s what honors God. When you honor God, He’ll honor you. He’ll open the door to His blessing, and you’ll see increase in every area of your life. We all go through situations that are unfair; life has thrown you a curve, it’s not what you had planned; even though life is not always fair, God is fair, and if you will keep your trust in Him, and not get bitter, but just keep moving forward, God has promised He will pay you back for every unfair thing that’s happened; don’t let one bad break ruin the rest of your life, keep you your focus on the promises He Has put in you.
  • 39. Overcoming All Odds 39 Don’t allow what happened in your past or what they did stop you from the amazing future God has in store; what happened may have been wrong, what they did may have put you at a disadvantage, that was unfair, but what they did cannot stop your destiny, they don’t have the final say, God has the final say, God said “I will restore the years that were stolen, give you beauty for those ashes, weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning”; nothing that’s happened to you is a surprise to God, God already has the restoration, vindication, new beginning; that setback was simply a setup for God to take you to a higher level; you’ve got to shake off the self-pity, the defeat, and get ready for God to do something new, He’s going to pay you back for every injustice. Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings.”(Exodus 3:7 ESV). God has seen every wrong that’s been done to you, every person that hurt you, every tear you shed, every injustice; God went on to say: And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey. (Exodus 3:8 (ESV). There comes a point where God says, “enough is enough, I’ve seen it, now I’m going to do something about it, I’m not going to just give you what you deserve, but I’m going to make the enemy pay and bring you out better than you were before”; God is a God of justice, He always makes the enemy pay for bringing the trouble into your life; it may not happen overnight, God is keeping the records, He knows exactly what you’re owed; God sees every time you do the right thing but the wrong thing happens, take the high road and forgive, you let it go, work hard but you didn’t get the credit, God is closely watching, you have an account with Him, He’ll make sure you not only get what you deserve, but His justice is to pay you back with more; some of you, you’ve been in an unfair situation, it’s gone on a long time, you’ve lost your passion, your fire, thinking that’s the way it’s always going to be; God is saying to you, “I have come down to do something about it”; you need to get ready, it’s payback time, everything the enemy has stolen, God is going to restore; the joy, peace, health, dreams; God is going to pay you back
  • 40. Overcoming All Odds 40 for the childhood you didn’t have, for that person that falsely accused you, for the years you lost in an abusive relationship; He has seen everything you’ve been through, He has come down to do something about it. Don’t go around with a defeated mentality, that’s going to stop God from working; you may have had more than your share of bad breaks, you could easily get discouraged and settle where you are; shake that off, your attitude should be, “I’m not staying here, I know it’s payback time, restoration time, vindication time, favor time.” Almighty God has come down on your behalf. I have too gone through very tough time in life and ending up in the streets, sometimes abusing drugs because of stress. That past has pushed me to establish the Makinika Afrika youth program which is reaching out to the lost, physically abused. Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child]. (Psalm 27:10 AMP). If you’ll just keep moving forward, being the best that you can be, God will take what’s meant for your harm and He will use it to your advantage; God will open doors that no man can shut; God will give you favor and cause people to want to be good to you; you may be in a situation where because of the poor choices of others it seems like you’re stuck, you’ll never get out of that rut, accomplish your dreams; God knows how to get you to where you’re supposed to be; all through the day, in your mind, in your thoughts, you should be saying “Father, I want to thank you that it’s payback time, I know you’re a God of justice, you’re restoring the years, the dreams, no person’s going to keep me from my destiny, I will become everything you created me to be.” Have that attitude of faith. shake off the negative comments, what people say about you doesn’t determine who you are, shake off the disrespect, keep your head held high, and God will promote you in spite of what they said. One way God pays you back is to prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies; that means God will promote you in front of the people that were trying to hold you down; He’ll show you favor and honor in front of those that said you’re not good enough; let that go in one ear and out the other. (Hebrews 10:30 NIV), For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.
  • 41. Overcoming All Odds 41 Some of you have cases that need to be settled, people have tried to push you down, make you feel inferior; you worked hard pursuing your dream, but the bottom fell out; now you’re starting over, you could easily have a chip on your shoulder; you’ve got to know God has promised to settle your case, but you got to get in agreement with God and start expecting payback time. When you're down to nothing, God is up to something. The faithful see the invisible, believe the incredible and then receive the impossible. If you want to see God pay you back, make your wrongs right, then when things come against you, you’ll feel like being bitter, complaining; dig your heels in, and say “I know my redeemer lives, God’s going to turn this around, no weapon formed against me is going to prosper, my best days are still out in my future.” You got to have this attitude of faith, knowing that God is a God of justice and He will settle your case. God has seen what you’ve been through, every tear you’ve shed, He knows the disappointment, the heartache you feel, and this is not the end, it’s a new beginning; you’re not going to just come out of this barely surviving, God’s going to make the enemy pay and bring you out better off than you were before; God is still on the throne, He’s in complete control, He’s going to settle your case; get in agreement with God, we all have unfair things that come against us, we all go through bad breaks, but you have to remember God not only sees it, but He’s promised if you’ll just keep moving forward, if you won’t get bitter, He will settle your case; the way God settles the case is not just to turn it around, not to just make it right, God will bring you out better off than you were before Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. (Isaiah 61:7 NIV). You may feel like you got a double dose of trouble, you worked hard, but the bottom fell out, don’t get stuck there thinking that that’s your “The secret of success is consistency of purpose." Benjamin Disraeli
  • 42. Overcoming All Odds 42 lot in life, that you got shortchanged, that you’ll always have a disadvantage, the truth is, that unfair situation has qualified you for double; it doesn’t have to stop you, if you’ll have the right attitude, God will use it to thrust you forward; you may have had a bad break, don’t sit around with a chip on your shoulder, every unfair thing that has happened has qualified you for double, God is a God of justice, He wants to pay you back, but you’ve got to do your part; shake off the self-pity, what they said about you, what didn’t work out, the way you were raised, and get ready for a double dose of God’s favor, blessing, health, peace, creativity, get ready for God to do exceeding abundantly above and beyond; when you go through unfair situations, it’s never easy, we never like it, but keep it in the right perspective, that person that’s talking about you, trying to make you look bad, in a sense they did you a favor, they just qualified you for double; that person that walked out on you, left you when you needed them the most, don’t sit around thinking that there’s something wrong with you, you’re inadequate, less than, blow them a kiss goodbye and get ready for double, it’s payback time; God wants to do something new in your life. It’s hard to keep a good attitude when all your friends are being blessed, but you’re not. You may feel like they don’t work as hard as you do. You may feel like they don’t give like you do or don’t deserve the blessing. That’s a time of testing. It’s hard to go through disappointments and stay positive and hopeful. These are seasons of sowing. If you’ll do the right thing even when it’s hard, when you sow in tears, you will always reap in joy. Have a new attitude toward what God has placed in your heart. It may be taking a long time, but God still has a plan to bring it to pass. Don’t give up. Your time is coming. It’s never too late. God is saying, “This is your season. Keep your faith stirred up.” Keep doing what is right, keep pushing, keep believing, keep being good to people, keep sowing because in due season, you will reap the bountiful harvest with a song of joy in your heart. When you let God settle your case, it will be better than you could have ever done it yourself; don’t be sour because of something that
  • 43. Overcoming All Odds 43 you lost, or something that was taken from you, instead of being bitter and trying to get even, stay on the high road, God sees the injustice, He knows what they took, and if you’ll let God settle your case, He’ll not only give you what you deserve, but God will pay you back with even more; God has the final say, God knows how to pay you back, He’s not limited by the laws of nature, or by what people say; when you go to work each week, remember, you’re not working unto people, you’re working unto God; if somebody is being dishonest or playing politics, don’t get upset, don’t try to pay them back, God is keeping the records, He will make sure you not only get what you deserve, God will pay you back with even more; this is a new day, it is payback time, get ready for a double dose of God’s goodness, favor, God is going to make the enemy pay for bringing the trouble into your life; instead of complaining about it, get up in the morning and say, “I know my redeemer lives.” Remember, every difficulty, every unfair situation, that has qualified you for double; some of you even are going to see cases settled, restoration, vindication, promotion, breakthroughs, a promise coming to pass; the God of justice is going to show Himself strong in your life; you’re not going to just come out, you’re going to come out better off than you were before. Rejoice and thank God for payback time.
  • 44. Overcoming All Odds 44 Chapter 2 LET GOD TAKE CHARGE want to encourage you. We all have things in life that come against us from time to time. Whether it’s a health issue, financial challenges, addiction, cheating, a disappointment with a loved one or a child struggling in school; we all face many different types of storms. Let God take charge to bring total deliverance, transformation and liberation, and you’ll live a bigger, bolder, more victorious life than you ever dreamed possible. Just let God take care of it, surrender it to God and every day you will hear the still and silent voice telling you what to do and the way to go. He is in charge. I remember one person who stirred me up to be independent and have never met her. I have been writing articles on different topics and share them and most of them are on my LinkedIn. One day I received a LinkedIn message from a lady asking me whether I could do First aid Training and I said we could do. I had submitted my resignation as a Training manager and had three days to clear. She requested me to forward a quotation and within minutes I had forwarded it. She replied asking for my number and I gave. At around 4 pm she called me and requested that we talk and thus I should go to a private place and so I went to a council room. The lady asked me one question. “Does that organization belong to your grandmother?” What a rude question from a client. I responded, “No,” She said, “When I asked you for a quotation, it’s your personal service that I require not the organization. When I give you the job and you bring in the organization, will that increase your salary? Don’t be crazy, think outside the box and grow!” She requested that I draft a quotation and if I don’t have a company name I talk to a friend to use his. She even told me to buy a book by Pepe Minambo called Beyond limits to get those limits off my head. She told I
  • 45. Overcoming All Odds 45 me to think of building my own brand not building other people’s brands and was ruthless and tough talking. I left the organization on a Friday and the following Monday I received a call from the lady that the training had been approved and so that week on a Thursday and Friday I trained 24 security guards from Hipora Security Solution Company and given a cheque that met all my bills. The following Week I received another request for training for the following month and for one year I had a two days training for the company every month that would guarantee me enough money to meet all my monthly bills. See how God took care of me by using a stranger I have never met to help me get a deal that would sustain me for a whole year. For just two days every month I would earn enough even for other expenses. For your information, the lady left the company a day before I did my first training so we never met. God used her to introduce me there before she left the company. Still two months after resigning, I received a call from GSU Training school Ruaraka to train officers on First Aid and again three days in a week I was there training different units and companies. This guaranteed of the following:- 1) To be picked from home and dropped back that means a police land rover coming for me and a salute at the gate. 2) Some allowances for every training I do. 3) A carton full of goodies and shopping for every unit I train summing up to 9 packets. One packet had sugar, salt, snacks, canned fruits, canned milk, canned cereals, canned meat, blue band, bread jam among other items that could sustain us for a month and we had a total of nine cartons that means we had enough to sustain us and donate to others. This is God’s provision and sustenance. A two days training every month, GSU training with goodies and the image it gave me when people saw me being picked and dropped by police vehicles every day. How good it is to cast all your cares unto the Lord. 1Peter5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I’ve learned that when the enemy attacks, God acts. God doesn’t just sit back and think, “Well, I wonder what’s going to happen. I wonder what they’re going to do.” No, God goes to work. You are His most prized
  • 46. Overcoming All Odds 46 possession. It says in Psalms, “God is close to those that are hurting. God is close to the broken hearted.” God knows when you’ve gotten a bad medical report. He knows when you’re struggling in your finances. He knows when you’re being mistreated. You may not see anything happening, but you can be assured that Almighty God is not only aware, He is at work. He already has the solution. If you will stay in faith, at the right time, He will release a flood of His power, a flood of healing, a flood of restoration. He will not only bring you out, He will bring you out better off than you were before. Every day, we have opportunities to get upset, be frustrated, or get offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was rude to you at the office. Maybe you were doing something that should have taken one hour and it ended up taking three. Life is full of inconveniences, but even though we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our reaction. I heard somebody say, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.” We should always go out each day with a positive attitude, full of hope and expecting God’s favor. But at the same time, we should recognize that most days are not going to go exactly as we plan. Remember, we were created to live in peace. Peace is our position of power. If you get stressed because you got off schedule or upset because your child wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offended you, your fiancée did not call or text, you woke up late, there was power blackout, what you’re doing is giving away your power. Instead, make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so you can live in peace and enjoy the day as the blessing God prepared for you. “Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is His glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.” We all go through disappointments, setbacks and things we don’t understand. Maybe you prayed for a loved one, but they didn’t get well. Or, maybe you worked hard for a promotion, but you didn’t get it. You stood in faith for a relationship, but it didn’t work out. “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." Colin Powell
  • 47. Overcoming All Odds 47 Proverbs 20:24 says, “Since the Lord is directing our steps, why do we try to figure out everything that happens along the way?” Instead of trying to find a reason behind everything that happens, one of the best things you can do is release it to God and let it go. God is directing you every step of the way. He has a way of causing all things to work together for your good. Your part is to trust and release. You may feel weak today, but God calls you strong. You may feel like a victim, but God calls you a victor. You may be afraid, but God calls you confident. You may be in debt, but God calls you prosperous. You may be sick, but God calls you well. You may be addicted, but God calls you free. You may feel inadequate, but God calls you well able. Once upon a time a psychology professor walked around on a stage while teaching stress management principles to an auditorium filled with students. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the typical “glass half empty or glass half full.” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, the professor asked, “How heavy is this glass of water I’m holding?” Students shouted out answers ranging from eight ounces to a couple pounds. She replied, “From my perspective, the absolute weight of this glass doesn’t matter. It all depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two, it’s fairly light. If I hold it for an hour straight, its weight might make my arm ache a little. If I hold it for a day straight, my arm will likely cramp up and feel completely numb and paralyzed, forcing me to drop the glass to the floor. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it feels to me.” As the class shook their heads in agreement, she continued, “Your stresses and worries in life are very much like this glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and you begin to ache a little. Think about them all day long, and you will feel completely numb and paralyzed – incapable of doing anything else until you drop them.” It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses and worries. No matter what happens during the day, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the night and into the next day with you. If you still feel the weight of yesterday’s stress, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to put the glass down.
  • 48. Overcoming All Odds 48 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you- you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Mathew 6:25-34 NIV). ‘Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). So today release every care, concern, offense and disappointment to God. Choose to keep the peace that He Has given You. Just look forward to today knowing that He is with YOU, leading YOU in victory. When you cast your cares unto him and elevate your faith by thanking Him for what He Has done, is doing and is about to do, then behind the scene He will work out your divine provision and you will testify of His goodness. Let go all the worries and let God take care of it.
  • 49. Overcoming All Odds 49 Chapter 3 FORGET THE PAST n December 2006, I was requested to give my personal testimony at a Kenya Christian Students Fellowship national camp at Nakuru Boys High School. The hall had more than 2000 students and I was given 15 minutes to share about my life story. In the previous Chapter, I have shared about the challenge of stammering and having a low self-esteem affected me. This was an experience I had never gone through, the Master of Ceremony had raised their expectations. I am not sure what I said but when I stood on the pulpit and was given the Microphone, I don’t remember what I told the audience for the 10 minutes I spoke. I sat down feeling embarrassed. I would see people greet and congratulate me for the motivational story in the following days. I am not sure it was as good. Few weeks later, I was invited by Nakuru Training and Counseling Institute Patron to speak at a Sunday service and even though I prepared a sermon on overcoming all odds, I stood at the pulpit, went blank and even though I spoke for an hour. I can’t explain what I said yet again, because I didn’t read even the notes I prepared. After some months, Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI) invited me to talk to students on a Friday night and for sure the message I had prepared vanished and am not sure whether I delivered or whatever I shared made sense. Time went by and within months I had preached in more than 10 schools and God was using me in a mighty way. I had already mastered the problem of stammering but Self-esteem really affected me and was feeling inadequate. God was working on me and giving me opportunities for exposure and with time I have grown and today I do not have a problem addressing a crowd of even thousands. I am however, still work in progress relying on God to guide me what to tell people. I