Crossing over to Victory: How to Win Big and Succeed with God

By Garrett Mitchell

Many people fear failure, but failure can fuel your journey to a better future.

In Crossing Over to Victory, Garrett Mitchell explores how to use failure to your advantage and overcome almost any obstacle. By positioning yourself to cross over to victory, you will learn:

• How to partner with God and win.
• What God’s promise and purpose is for your life.
• That there is greatness within you.
• That you are unstoppable.

Joshua1:11, outlines four steps to enter the Promise land, these four “Ps” are your road map to victory—and once you apply them to your life, you will begin to fulfill your God given purpose and destiny.

The God of Israel will lead you to victory in the battles you fight— When God is on your side, you can never fail. With Crossing Over to Victory you will discover that you have the will, drive, and tenacity to win your battles and slay your giants.

“Garrett has presented a thought provoking yet practical framework for how to overcome obstacles and become successful within the context of everyday life. With its principles deeply rooted in Scriptures, this book is a game changer for the reader who is ready to dust off the ashes of doubt and is now ready, by faith and perseverance, to move into their promised land.” 
— Corey Johnson
Teaching Pastor
Shelter Rock Church New York

In this life, we will go through a “wilderness experience” of setbacks and disappointments. Garrett Michell’s book, Crossing Over to Victory, gives us the steps to enter our promised land victoriously and achieve all that God has prepared for us.
— Georgiana Holder
Leadership Coach/Speaker
President & CEO of G.I. Holder Initiatives Inc.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jun 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664227743

Garrett Mitchell

Garrett Mitchell attends New Testament Temple Church of God in the Bronx New York, where he serves in ministry. He Holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Monroe college, He has a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Fordham University. He sits on the Salvation Army Board, Harlem Chapter New York. His vision is to see “Victorious People Living Victorious lives.” His passion is to serve the underserved and win souls for the Kingdom of God.

Book preview

ENDORSEMENT

There is a saying that goes like this: Proper preparation prevent pitiful poor performance. In this book Garrett does an excellent job of using the life of Joshua to remind us of the value of preparation. We have heard much about the Joshua Generation! But in my estimation this message is very relevant today. This book will help prepare you to enter into the promises of God and possess your land. Garrett is a leader in his generation and the revelations he received from the Lord and has presented in this book will serve generations to come. Well done good and faithful servant.

— Rev. Gladstone Johnson

Gladstone A. Johnson Executive Director

Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency

I have known Garrett for about six years, and he truly exemplifies Joshua. Over the years, I have watched him grown exponentially in his relationship with the Lord. He has developed from an ordinary member of our Church to someone who serves in numerous leadership roles. I admire the fact that Garrett does not allow the roles he serves in, to change him or influence the way he treats others. He is truly a man after God’s heart, and he pours himself into his ministries. Likewise, he is always listening for what the Lord has to say and searches himself for ways he can grow as well as deepen his walk with the Lord. He loves his family and not having the example of a father in his life when he was a young man pushes him to go above and beyond for them. Garrett is transparent, authentic, and has a servant’s spirit. He is always willing and ready to serve in whatever capacity he is needed. Moreover, above all he serves with joy, love, and sincerity. It is truly an honor to recommend Garrett and his family to you.

— Jason J. Panton

Author of the book

Freedom, a Call to Healing from the Bondage of Our Minds

Garrett Mitchell has done a great job of putting together relevant information necessary for his readers in a concise and readable format. The topics selected are right on target, its principles and recommendations will not only benefit individuals, families, and churches, but our society.

— Dr. Navlett T. Coleman

Pastor – Lighthouse Ministries International Inc.

Professor – Mt. Olive Bible Institute and Seminary.

The Word of God is explicit in its description of servanthood to mankind. In this book Crossing over to Victory, author Garrett Mitchell breaks down the preparation to serve in humility and obedience in all walks of life. It will inspire and uplift everyone, including even a person with a ‘heart of stone’ to learn to encourage and show kindness in a season of COVID deaths and pain.

— Rev. Dr. Edward A. Nyarko, D. Min

Associate Director

Pastoral Care Department

Director of Chaplains NYC Harlem Hospital

Garrett Mitchell’s book is a God-sent inspiration for anyone considering spiritual and personal growth. Read this book! It will move you and motivate you--to live your best life.

— Chris Vinsonhaler, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, English City University of New York (BMCC)

Doers and Dreamers The Beowulf Project

God has allowed Garrett to write an inspiring and uplifting book. You will Cross Over into someone new before you put this book down, you will never be the same again,

— Chakanaka Watch, Captain/Pastor

The Salvation Army, Harlem New York

CROSSING OVER

TO VICTORY

How to Win Big and Succeed with God

Biblical Principles Taken from the Book of Joshua

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Garrett Mitchell

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Copyright © 2021 Garrett Mitchell.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by

any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher

make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book

and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2773-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2772-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2774-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021905462

WestBow Press rev. date: 06/16/2021

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible,

English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing

ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked (ERV) taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV),

International Edition © 2013, 2016 by Bible League International and used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New

International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica,

Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks

registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) taken from the (NASB®) New American

Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman

Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org

Scripture marked (KJV) taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living

Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale

House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture marked (NKJV) taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright

© 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright ©

1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (AMPCE) are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright ©

1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture marked (MEV) taken from the Modern English Version. Copyright ©

2014 by Military Bible Association. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

FOUR STEPS TO VICTORY

Prepare, Passover, Possess, Promised land

"Pass through the midst of the camp and command the

people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you

are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the

land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’"

—JOSHUA 1:11 ESV

DEDICATION

T o my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the head of the church and my life. It is also a privilege and honor to dedicate my first book to my five wonderful children: Bianca, Jade, Joshua, Josiah, and Olivia-Rose—especially Joshua, my oldest son, whose name is taken from the Bible. Joshua, you already know your name means The Lord is my salvation. The Lord will save you and rescue you and cause you to prosper. You are a fearless warrior, a military commander in the army of God. Be bold and be very courageous. Just know that when you put your trust in God, He fights for you. All of you are my inspiration. Thank you for your love and support and your prayers during the good times and bad times. Without your sacrifices, none of this would be possible. I thank you, I love you, and God bless you!

CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Step 1 — Preparation

1     Unprepared

2     A Call to Courage

3     Risking Everything

4     Seize the Moment

Step 2 — Passing Over

5     Discover Your Greatness

6     Becoming a New You

7     You Are Not Alone

Step 3 — Possessing the Land

8     You Have the Keys to the City

9     Your Setback Is Your Comeback

10   Becoming Unstoppable

Step 4 — Promised Land

11   Final Destination

12   Joshua Generation

Epilogue: Ultimate Victory

A Prayer for This Nation and Generation

Thank You

About the Author

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

C rossing over to Victory has been a two-year journey, and without the help and power of the Holy Spirit, none of this would be possible. I also want to thank Juleen, who has been my wife and partner for the past seven years. You have supported me from the very first day I told you I was going to write this book. You always checked in to see how it was developing. You also allowed me time away from the kids when I needed to write and focus on my thoughts. Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement.

To my mother, Pearl Miller, I could not ask for a better mother! Everything I am and will be is because of you. Thank you for your sacrifice and motherly advice throughout the years, and thank you for my brother, Garth. I love you, brother.

I also want to say thank you to my grandparents, Darotha Davy and Enos Davy, who passed away. You are the best grandparents one could ever ask for. I miss you and love you. To my aunts, uncles, cousins, and other families and friends, I love you, and God bless you.

When I first came to this country, I was living with my sister Sherlia Mitchell in the Bronx. If it were not for her and her children, Kirk and Marie, I would not be here today. For this, I want to thank them and their families.

I also want to take a moment to thank and acknowledge some great men and women of faith who have impacted my life in a positive way, either directly or indirectly: Pastor Paul Peart and First Lady Rev. Ingrid Peart, Pastor Gladstone Johnson and Minister Cheryll Johnson, Dr. Navlett Coleman, Minister Marcia Thomas, Pastor Corey Johnson and family, Pastor Camillo Simms and family, Pastor and First Lady Williams, Rev. Boswell Allen, Rev. Nelva Edwards, Deacon Paul Freckleton, and Deacon Vernal Levy.

To my NTT church family. You are a great inspiration to me and my family. I appreciate all of you. To my longtime friends James, Christan, Allison, Arun, and all my Munkey family. Thank you, and God bless you.

Last but certainly not least, I want to thank Alice Melo, Janine David, and their team at WestBow Press for helping me make this dream a reality. Thank you, and God bless you all.

INTRODUCTION

D id you know that approximately 80 percent of people never set goals for themselves, and of the 20 percent population who do set goals about 70 percent of them fail to achieve their goals? said Douglas Vermeeren, the best-selling author of Amazing Success . Another study shows that only 8 percent of people actually achieve their goal, says Inc.com. This is proof that winning and succeeding in any area in life is very hard to do. Whether it be wealth, health spirituality, relationships, or individual aspiration, one must maintain a level of disciple, focus, determination, and commitment.

Crossing over to Victory is about people who see failure as an obstacle and can’t seem to cross the finish line. Vermeeren wrote, Some people are afraid they will fail or even worse that they may actually succeed. He said such people lack belief in themselves and in their potential. This book will help you turn your failure into fuel for your final destination. It will show you how to cross over every obstacle you face in your life today. God went before Israel, defeated all its enemies, and led them into the Promised Land. We can trust the God of Israel to lead your family and His people to victory. You need to know that, with God on your side, you cannot lose, and you will never fail.

1. You will learn how to prepare by partnering with God.

2. You learn what God’s promise and purpose is for your life.

3. You will learn that there is greatness within you.

4. You will learn that you are unstoppable.

After leaving Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years, and during that time, the Joshua generation was born. They probably heard the stories of Egypt—about the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. All they knew was living in the wilderness, and all they ate was manna and quail. A pillow of clouds during the day kept them from the sun, and a pillow of fire by night gave them light. I am sure they also heard about the great plan to one day journey to the Promised Land. I am sure when they heard all those stories, they wished they were living in a land flowing with milk and honey. They probably dreamed of living in proper houses instead of tents. They could eat proper food like figs, corn, and potatoes and press wine and catch fish instead of eating quail and manna every day.

I am sure, like many of us who set goals for ourselves, they longed for a better life. They wondered what life would be like growing up in a better neighborhood, being able to afford nice things, going to work and church, and having a nice family. They probably wondered if God had abandoned them. Their parents died in the wilderness. Moses died without having seen the Promised Land. What were the odds of them crossing the Jordan River, defeating Jericho and the giants, and reaching the Promised Land? They probably wondered, What is my purpose? How do I achieve these goals? What am I here for? Will I die in this forsaken wilderness like my ancestors did?

Many of us today are asking these same questions. We may not live in tents in the wilderness, we may not eat the same food every day, and we may not wear the same shoes and clothes over and over again, but we still go through our own wilderness experience in our own way. We all dream about how to get to the next level in our careers and relationships. How do we raise our kids on a single salary? Or maybe you have been sick for years, and you don’t know when things are going to turn around. Everyone has their ups and downs and victories and defeats. When the generation of Joshua was thinking these same thoughts, the only thing that gave them faith and hope was God.

In chapter 1, Joshua outlines to the people how they will secure the Promised Land.

Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to Pass over this Jordan to go in to take Possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. (Joshua 1:11 ESV)

First, he told them to prepare the people to pass over the Jordan to possess the Promised Land. I call this the four steps to success. These four steps lay the foundation for your victory:

• When you prepare for your life’s goals, it leads to success.

• When you pass over your hurdles, you will be transformed and become a new you.

• When you possess your promised land and claim your future, you will become unstoppable.

• Your promised land is your final destination.

These four steps to success are your road map to help you achieve your goals. When you apply these four steps, you will not fail. You will be able to overcome and cross over your hurdles, obstacles, setbacks, disappointments, and failures. This book will inspire and motivate you to cross over into your purpose and the destiny God has for you. You will discover that you have the willpower, drive, determination, and tenacity to win your battles, slay your giants, and secure a prosperous future. You will also learn that when you put God first, all things are possible, and you will become limitless. Take this journey and see how God will ensure your victory!

STEP ONE

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PREPARATION

There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation,

hard work, and learning from failure.

—COLIN POWELL

1

UNPREPARED

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BEFORE JOSHUA

God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made

us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the

good things, he had already planned for us to do.

—EPHESIANS 2:10 (ERV)

A s a child growing up, I did not know what I wanted to do with my life. I did not know who or what I wanted to be. I did not see much representation of career choices that suited me in my community. My mother was a teacher, and I vowed as a young boy I would never become a teacher.

• First, they were underpaid.

• Second, they were always on strike because they were underpaid.

• Third, because they were underpaid, we lacked certain special amenities in the house, such as TV and toys.

I always wanted a bike, a separate bed from my brother, and some extra clothes. However, I came to realize it was not so much that she was underpaid but rather that she was a single mother with two boys, trying to make ends meet.

Mom never let us go hungry. We always had the basics covered. She always ensured that we had food, good clothes, and strong shoes. Yes, strong shoes. Strong shoes meant they would last long so she was not spending too much money.

My grandfather was a farmer, and he worked very hard; I got a chance to see firsthand how it was done. Farming is a beautiful thing when you plant seeds and watch them grow to maturity. It is an amazing thing to reap the harvest, but I did not see myself doing what my grandpa did. The next profession I considered was becoming a preacher, but I did not see myself as a good public speaker, so that was out of the question.

My mother always told me, "There are two things