I Choose To Win
Transcribed by: Gregg Stone
Bro. Kinsey, tell us a little about yourself and your ministry.
I’m happily married to Lanette, my wife of 45 years, and we have three children and six grandchildren. I currently reside in Pensacola, Florida, where I am pastor of First Pentecostal Church. My goal is to encourage, develop, equip and train the next generation of Apostolic leaders and believers.
The Old Testament (OT) is filled with individuals that succeed despite all odds. What OT character inspires you the most and why?
The story of Joseph is the greatest example in the Old Testament of a godly man who advanced in adversity, persevered, and was rewarded for his righteousness because he kept his integrity intact. Joseph demonstrated steadfast faith in God because he never lost hope and he always moved forward with excellence. When faced with temptation that could have destroyed his character, he resisted and ran. When he was mistreated, misunderstood, and forgotten, he forgave. When he was discouraged and lonely, he remained faithful. He succeeded in all of his jobs with wisdom and competence, yet he remained humble and gave all the glory to God. He never allowed the misfortunes of life to become his identity.
What other OT characters should inspire us and what do we learn by reading their biblical accounts?
Moses, Joshua, Job, and Nehemiah are among the best examples of strong leaders. Moses and Joshua helped deliver Israel from Egypt and take new territory by possessing God’s promises. Job taught us that God has a purpose even in suffering, and he persevered until God manifested His presence and visited him with a double portion of victory. Through Nehemiah we learn that all broken things can be restored by a godly leader willing to continue the fight and to give others hope. They were all men of vision who were willing to trust God and who took the appropriate actions in the midst of adversity and eventually overcame great obstacles to become what God had purposed for them. David and Esther are also prime examples of courage in the midst of crisis. Both could have lost their lives in their respective situations. David as a young shepherd boy accepted the challenge of a seasoned warrior, and Esther approached the king without being summoned. Our takeaway from them: Have passion for His purpose, with the attitude, “If I perish, I perish,” and have unshakable confidence in God
How can we best apply these stories to our lives today? Can we expect God to move in our situations in similar supernatural ways?
We can apply these stories to our lives by being grounded in the Word. Reading God’s Word, praying His Word, and living the Word opens the door for God to move in a supernatural way. Romans 4:21 says that Abraham was “fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” To be so empowered, we must have faith in God while we are going through the crisis, not just when we are victorious. Each of these Old Testament characters saw themselves as God’s choice and spoke words of faith to their destiny. They understood who they were and that by the power of God they were able, they were capable, and it was their responsibility to follow God wherever He would lead them. When you lift your vision to see the possibilities God has for you despite your current circumstances, you will be empowered to move forward into new territory.
In the case of Moses and Joshua, God worked in supernatural ways to provide a deliverance from the most powerful government in the known world. He gave them provisions in a desolate wilderness, which gave them strength to make the journey and
then enter the Promised Land. In the case of Job, Nehemiah, David, and Esther, God showed them divine favor and protected them from every enemy. They were prepared to be used in any circumstance and He used their willingness to accomplish His goals. God will move in supernatural ways if we will open the door and make room for Him to work.
No one likes or wants adversity. Why does God put us through such difficult trials? How can we stay positive and upbeat, and faith-filled?
Sometimes trials occur through no fault of our own, and we must learn to live God’s principles in those times and let Jesus be revealed in us. Other times, we are the ones who created the predicament. So, we must learn to be aware of our own faults and be humble enough to repent. It’s the learning curve that can be the hardest step to take. Here are two important lessons: (1) Do not be surprised that you encounter problems or experience loss of various kinds. We face illness, natural disasters, accidents. Jesus taught us that it rains “on the just and on the unjust.”
Satan can also target us for hardship, which we learn from the story of Job. Also, some of the difficulty we face may come specifically because of our stand for truth and our faith in Christ. Suffering is normal in that it is something we all go through. But God’s grace is sufficient.
(2) We do not have to give in to fear. When you feel anxious about the future and are tempted to do something foolish, stop. Resist the devil, pray to the Lord, and ask for peace of mind, clear thoughts, and the ability to persevere. Remember that in the same breath that Jesus called the devil a thief, he pointed to Himself as the giver of life. Do not panic at the problems you face. When you feel anxious about your circumstances, trust Jesus. We can get upset when we face adversity because all we can see is the inconvenience, loss, or pain that it represents. Look deeper. Each trial is a test of your faith, and that faith will grow stronger as you become more and more mature through adversity.
You recently wrote a book, “I Choose to Win.” What’s the story behind your motivation to write it?
I see too many saints who are not growing and progressing in their spiritual walk. In the midst of adversity it is possible to become petty, resentful, jealous, and jaded by circumstances and disappointments. I wanted to place a book in their hand that would give them the understanding and motivation needed to overcome their adversity through the power of God. It reveals how God works through our adversity to bring us to maturity and to our purpose. I wanted to help them form a new attitude, understand God’s work in their life, receive deliverance, and move forward in faith. God will open the door for opportunities to grow, and we will discover our purpose and learn that the greatest choice we can make in the midst of adversity is to choose to win.
How to order? Cost?
Amazon – $14.99; Kindle – $6.99; Audible – $19.95; PPH – $14.99; or visit www.briankinsey.com.
If our readers have a question, can they contact you? How?
Yes, my mailing address is:
Brian Kinsey C/O
First Pentecostal Church
6485 Pensacola Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32505
E-mail: apostmin@icloud.com