Defy the Odds: How God Can Use Your Past to Shape Your Future

by Jentezen Franklin; Benny Tate; Brittany McKneely

Publisher:

Harvest House Publishers

, 2022

Overview

“A wonderful picture of how God can use any person regardless of their past.”
—Roma Downey, Emmy®-nominated actress and producer

Pastor Benny Tate never faced a time that wasn’t filled with obstacles. Each season of life came with setbacks that often seemed insurmountable: the abusive father figure who tormented Benny and his mother, the lack of guidance in his early adulthood, and the illness and infertility he and his wife battled in their marriage.

Yet in every crisis, God was there to redeem pain for glory, transforming Benny’s life into a moving testament to His power. Through his struggles, Benny’s faith grew as he saw how God provided him with the strength, wisdom, and resources he needed to overcome each staggering challenge placed before him.

In parts a memoir that will tug on your heartstrings, a guide to get you through tough times, and a reminder to never see yourself as the victim of your own life, Defy the Odds will inspire your soul as it proves that you follow a God who can—and will—see you through the impossible.

Praise for Defy the Odds

“It is my great privilege to recommend the book Defy the Odds by my dear friend Benny Tate. From the very beginning of his life, even until now, he has by the grace of God defied the odds at every turn. No matter how helpless or hopeless you may think your situation is if you read this book you will be convinced otherwise. I cannot commend it too highly.”
—James Merritt, host of Touching Lives, senior pastor of Cross Pointe Church, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention

“Talk about an ‘underdog,’ what are the chances or the odds? Yet God! In His mercy He took Benny Tate’s mess and performed a miracle. Need Hope? It is in the pages of this book!”
—Pastor Johnny Hunt, senior vice president of the North American Mission Board, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia

“Whatever or whoever is standing in your way will be removed from your life! How can I say that? If God can do that for my friend Benny Tate, He will do the same for you. Defy the Odds may just be the most transparent and transformative book you will read. Not only will you read it, you will want all those you love to read it too. I’ve known Pastor Benny Tate for many years and reading this book only grew my respect, admiration and honor for him.”
—Sam Chand, leadership consultant and author of Harnessing the Power of Tension

”Pastor Benny speaks wisdom in practical ways we can grasp and apply to our own lives. It’s authentic because he has lived it in his own life. He doesn’t preach from a lofty tower, he wasn’t born in a pulpit. His life had a dreadful beginning but he chose to surrender his life fully to the One who had a good plan for his life: Jesus Christ. This is his story."
—Ruth Graham author of Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself: An Invitation to the Miracle of Forgiveness and Transforming Loneliness: Deepening Our Relationship with God and Others When We Feel Alone

“Pastor Benny Tate’s story is one of both inspiration and faith. The guy who starts on third base and gets home and acts like he hit a home run has never impressed me. My good friend Pastor Tate not only didn’t start on third base, he wasn’t even in the stadium. His life is proof that if you have faith and the right mindset and belief, you can truly do anything and defy all odds.”
—John Calipari, head coach of University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball

“Benny Tate is no stranger to adversity and heartache. However, his story is a perfect example of how God can overcome every difficult circumstance and use anyone regardless of their past. This book offers hope to all who read it! Each chapter provides practical application for believing God for big things and trusting Him to defy the odds in your life!”
—Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist in Dallas, Texas

“This story of a brave young man from an ungodly background with the courage to “defy the odds" as a pastor and leader is a challenge to every Christian to stand firm in the faith.”
—Mrs. Joyce Rogers, author, board member of Love Worth Finding Ministries

“Defy the Odds, by my friend Benny Tate, will strengthen your faith in the fact that with God, all things are possible!”
—Pastor Jim Cymbala, Brooklyn Tabernacle

Product Details

• Title: Defy the Odds: How God Can Use Your Past to Shape Your Future
• Authors: Jentezen Franklin, Benny Tate, Brittany McKneely
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9780736985109, 9780736985093, 0736985107, 0736985093
• Resource ID: LLS:9780736985109
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T00:04:07Z

About the Authors

Benny Tate, PhD, has served for over 30 years as the senior pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia. Dr. Tate serves as president of the Congregational Methodist Denomination, and he has served many times as chaplain for the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives in Washington, DC.

Brittany McKneely, staff writer at Rock Springs Church, worked as a high school English teacher for more than ten years before transitioning to full-time writing. She and her husband, Taylor, live in Georgia with their two wonderful boys. She and her family enjoy traveling the country and being outdoors.