Not Easily Shaken

FOREWORD

NOT EASILY SHAKEN is an erudite, eloquent, and immensely thought-provoking work that gets to the heart of the deepest and most common human experience of facing and effectively dealing with life’s unexpected twists and turns. We will all face some form of trauma or challenge that will test our faith and cause us to question providence.

This is indispensable reading for anyone who wants to learn how to live in the face of tragedy and trauma and to respond effectively while rising above the storms of life. This is a profound authoritative work, written from the valley of experience from the heart of a man who has been there, that breaks new ground in its approach and will possibly become a classic in this and the next generation.

This exceptional work by Bert Mullings is one of the most profound, practical, principle-centered approaches to this subject of persevering in the face of trials that I have read in a long time. The author’s approach to this timely issue for many in these troubled times brings a fresh breath of air that captivates the heart, engages the mind and inspires the spirit of the reader to believe in the impossible.

The author’s ability to leap over complicated theological and metaphysical jargon and reduce complex theories of life to biblically sound yet simple and practical principles that the least among us can understand is amazing.

This work will challenge every human, including the intellectual, while embracing the laymen as it dismantles the mysterious soul search of mankind to deal effectively with the misfortunes and unexpected mountains that rise in their lives. This book delivers the profound in simplicity.

Bert Mullings’ experienced-based approach immediately identifies with the human heart and awakens in the reader the untapped inhibiters that retard our personal ability to overcome the odds. The author’s use of his personal anecdotes empowers us to rise above these self-defeating, self-limiting factors to a life of exploits in spiritual and mental attitudes that bring us victory no matter the challenge.

The author also integrates into each chapter time-tested biblical precepts, giving each principle a practical application to life that makes the entire process people-friendly.

Every sentence of this book is pregnant with wisdom, inspiration, encouragement, edification and passion and I enjoyed the mind-expanding experience of this exciting work. I admonish you to plunge into this ocean of knowledge and watch your life change for the better as you face your challenges in life and you will also come to believe that you are Not Easily Shaken.

Dr. Myles Munroe

BFM International

ITWLA

Nassau, Bahamas

PREFACE

In this world all of us will experience tribulation, tragedy and some level of trauma that seek to rock the very fiber of our being, our faith and our trust in whatever God we pay homage to. The reality is, whatever challenges we face, we are not exempt because of our social, economic and/or political affiliations. Whether we are poor, rich, black or white we will all taste a level of hell and will continuously have to pass various tests to get to the next level in life. In fact, all of us have to endure and bite the bullet of life and find some way, by hook or by crook, to deal with our personal challenges. If we do not address these life-threatening and soul-searching challenges, then life will make an example out of us, and we will reap the consequences of our poor decisions.

Many of us are big talkers, forever claiming that we can do anything and everything so much so that nothing can take us down, or so we think! The truth of the matter is, even a fool realizes that if he holds a big block of ice in his hands long enough, he can freeze to death. If we think we are invincible and nothing can rock our world to the point that drives us almost to the place of insanity, because of the pain and suffering we have to endure, then we are lying to ourselves and the truth is not in us.

I can tell you that I have been to that place. I visited hell and saw a glimpse of death but I refused to sit on the sidelines of life and do nothing. I have learnt through my personal experience that no storm is worth fighting if I am not connected to the One who has the power to control and calm the storms in my life. My strength and power is inadequate. I need God! I need God as my rock and my foundation. I need Him to be my fortress and strong tower when the storms of life hit me like a ton of bricks. When I stand, I stand confident knowing that no matter what life’s curve balls are hurled at me, I am not easily shaken.

This book, therefore, seeks to address how best to respond to life’s challenges and how to overcome them in the face of adversity. This book takes you on a journey of my personal experience that turned my world upside down, inside out and 180 degrees in a different direction all at one time; as well as how I focused on my response to this challenge. This book also addresses very deep issues that all human potential will face in times of tragedy and trauma— that is, the pity party syndrome and the blame game, and then the age-old question we often ask, “Where is God in all of this?” It also addresses and provides time-tested principles that we can follow so that we are not easily shaken in our walk with God.

It is my prayer that once you have read this book you will experience a transformed mind, a renewed spirit and a sense of urgency to fulfill God’s mandate for your life. These time-tested principles will help you to begin the process of preparing and perfecting the art of a not easily shaken lifestyle that only comes from an intimate relationship with the Creator. Whatever storms in life we have to face, remember that we were sent to earth to fulfill a mission. We have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome personal challenges in the face of adversity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thought that one of the greatest tragedies in life is dying and having your potential unfulfilled. Well, based on my latest encounter with God, I had to recalibrate my theological understanding for another tragedy is living our lives unprepared to face the challenges head on that will come. No one is immune from tragedy or trauma; but it comes to test and strengthen our faith because we are destined for a purpose. Additionally, God wants us to empower our lives with His presence.

Many of us pretend that we are so tough because we act like we are made of steel. However, if we hold ice long enough even the strongest of men will shiver and/or freeze to death. I acknowledge God as the Source of my life and He is my Jehovah Rapha - The Healer. Without Him in my life guiding and protecting me throughout this experience, I would be a living wreck and may have even given up on life itself. I am confident that He did not leave my soul in hell, and He never left me during my test, even though He was silent most of the time.

I acknowledge that God is in total control and, when the fullness of time comes, He allows us to go to a place called, “paused for a purpose”. This place, in my opinion, is like a wake-up call that drives us to a point where we conclude that we not only have a mission to fulfill, but we are also empowered and destined to live for God in spite of our shortcomings and insecurities.

I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and my “Big Brother,” who is continually making intercession on my behalf to my Heavenly Father—the Source and Giver of life. I acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Governor of Earth, who was sent to reside and execute His Heavenly mandate in my life and keep me pure until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.