Signposts to Success

Success is the ability of people to reach their goals and achieve their own purposes in life. Therefore, the quest for the attainment of success can be said to be universal - be it academic, financial, professional or political. However, becoming successful in life comes with lots of challenges. In Signposts to Success, Godknows Igali gives a broad insight into some of the difficulties that one could encounter on the road to success by x-raying the experiences of the historical and biblical King David and some other successful individuals, most of whom started from very humble beginning and succeeded against all odds. The book draws inspirations from various religious beliefs, especially from Christianity, Judaism and Islam and discusses the reality of the universal God and the efficacy of prayer, humility, faith in God, courage, love, forbearance and forgiveness as the key ingredients of a successful life. Godknows Igali holds a PhD in Politics and International Studies from the University of Venezuela, Caracas. He had also studied at the University of Port Harcourt, University of Lagos and the Bible Faith Training Centre, Lagos. A career diplomat and seasoned technocrat, he has held a number of top public appointments in Nigeria. His other books include Global Trends in State Formation, Virtuous within the Vile: Performance and Integrity in Public Service, The Diplomacy of Economic Development, The Truth of God's Blessing: Lessons from the Story of Jacob and Perspectives on Nation State Formation in Contemporary Africa. Dr Igali is also an avid environmentalist and climate change advocate and sits on the board of several international charity and academic institutions. He is also a recipient of numerous national and international awards. Table of Contents Acknowledgments................................................vi Introduction The Universal Desire: Some Preliminary Words.................7 Chapter One Reality of a Supreme and Universal God........................23 Chapter Two The Incredible Power of Faith....................................20 Chapter Three Exercising Best Types of Faith....................................42 Chapter Four Triumphant by Courage............................................59 Chapter Five Bent Low before Exaltation......................................77 Chapter Six Forbearance with all Men.........................................99 Chapter Seven Addiction to Total Forgiveness.................................117 v Chapter Eight Living in an Atmosphere of Love...............................129 Chapter Nine Keeping Faith with Covenant...................................141 Chapter Ten Praying without Ceasing...........................................149 Chapter Eleven The Practice of Worship and Thanksgiving....................162 Chapter Twelve Operating under the Law of Sowing............................172 Chapter Thirteen Overcoming the Hour of Darkness............................178 Chapter Fourteen Surpassing Madiba's Footprint...................................190 Concluding Thoughts Total Rest on the Will of God...................................207 Index..............................................................219