There’s more insight in hindsight than in foresight. Reflections enable a person appreciate the journey he has been on towards a life of meaning and significance. I have drawn these insights from sitting at the feet of Dr. David Oyedepo. I have tried to capture them as forces because of the efficacy of their engagement.
1. Force of Absolute Dependency on God. This suggests that God is the ultimate source of strength and resources required for the realisation of an individuals life goals. Dr. Oyedepo expressed this in 3 ways namely: “Wherever God cannot take me may I never get there and whatever God cannot give me, may I never have it.”; “Anytime you are looking at man never claim to be looking at me (God).”
“Whatever God cannot do, let it remain undone.” – Dr. David Oyedepo
2. Force of Total Abandonment. Dr. Oyedepo in expressing this said, “God is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.” This presupposes that an individual surrenders all things to God. It is an expression of renunciation of other alternative courses of action to the attainment of ones targets.
“God is either Lord of all or not Lord at all.” – Dr. David Oyedepo
3. Force of Spiritual Fervency. This speaks to the need for passionate and intense engagement of the supernatural in the things that an individual does. It demands that an individual be spiritually built up to confront issues as they befall him. Dr. David has said the following statements to reflect this: “The security of any destiny is to ensure you remain spiritually active”; “The more spiritually active you are the more robust your life will become”; “Only goodness and mercy shall follow those who are spiritually active”;
“The only answer to spiritual attack is spirituality.” – Dr. David Oyedepo
4. Force of Preparation. This bothers on getting ready for the future. It engenders the need for personal development in areas of weakness. It would require submitting oneself to training, instruction and guidance. Dr. David has said on several platforms that: “Where you find yourself tomorrow is a product of your preparedness today”; “You never come across an unserious youth that ends up a meaningful adult”
No one ever arrives at a future he never prepared for. Dr. David Oyedepo
5. Force of Personal Responsibility. This makes one aware of the need to embrace the duties and obligations that can make for a great and impactful life. Dr. David expressed this in strong phrases such as: “You are absolutely responsible for the outcome of your life”; “Those who keep looking for who to blame will never amount to anything in life”;
Those who don’t take personal responsibility for their lives will always end up as liabilities. – Dr. David Oyedepo
6. Force of Faith. Dr. Oyedepo’s expression of this states that, “Whatever you cannot conceive in your heart believing can never be delivered to you” This is having absolute trust that what you have desired can be accomplished.
“Whatever you cannot conceive in your heart believing can never be delivered to you” – Dr. David Oyedepo
7. Force of the Mind. Dr. David Oyedepo expressed it thus: “Whatever is too big for your heart is too big for your hand”.
If it is your heart, it will soon be in your hand. – Dr. David Oyedepo
8. Force of the Big Picture. This states that “You can never feature in the picture of a future you cannot see.”
No one ever arrives at a future he cannot see. – Dr. David Oyedepo
9. Force of Determined Experience. This suggests that you are responsible for the experiences that you have. The force is expressed thus: “Whatever you don’t confront, you cannot conquer”; “Whatever you don’t resist has a right to remain”
Whatever you don’t want, you don’t watch. – Dr. David Oyedepo
10. Force of Achievement. Success is a desired end for everyone and Dr. Oyedepo guides us through that success journey with this stating that “The results you make and sustain is what makes you an impact.” He further affirmed that “Impact begins with productivity.”
Hanging around your fathers achievement does not make you an achiever. – Dr. David Oyedepo
11. Force of Discipline. Dr. Oyedepo fondly quotes George Washington who said, “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all”. For this, Oyedepo states that “It takes a serious approach to obtain a glorious result”
Go and take life serious or you won’t have anything tomorrow. – Dr. David Oyedepo
12. Force of Discernment. Everyone must possess the ability to distinguish things. The admonition that this carries suggest that we all must be sensitive to the things around us. Dr. Oyedepo said, “Not every open door is Gods door, some are traps in disguise”
Every passage of time offers specific lessons for what the future holds. – Dr. David Oyedepo
13. Force of Definiteness. Dr. Oyedepo encourages everyone to be specific in determining their pursuits in life. He said, “No one ever scores a goal without having a goal post in sight.”
There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. – Napoleon Hill
14. Force of Labour states that “There’s nothing extraordinary on its own, it is man’s extraordinary input that makes it so.” Dr. Oyedepo also emphasised that: “Refuse a downtime in your life. Always seek a productive engagement at every point in your life.”
Engage productively with whatever is available per time. – Dr. David Oyedepo
15. Force of Association states that “Friendship is not by force it’s by choice”. In emphasising this, Dr. Oyedepo affirmed that “A wrong association will cost you a lot in spite your brilliance, skill, anointing.”
In finding your class, you must find your own company. When you call someone your friend, you share his values with him. – Dr. David Oyedepo
FINAL WORDS
It doesn’t take time to make the most of ones life, it only takeS the engagement of the truth.
