See No EvilSample

In an article titled, “The 15 Greatest Underdog Sports Stories Of All Time,” MensJournal.com talks about the American hockey team that competed in the 1980 Olympics: Team USA had been playing well during the Olympic tournament, but the roster was filled with amateurs and college players. In contrast, the battle-tested Soviet Union squad boasted of some of the best hockey talent in the world. The Soviet team had dominated for years, and even the most hopeful fans wondered if the United States could even score in the game, let alone win. Instead, Team USA pulled off an amazing upset, winning the game 4-3 and earning themselves a place in history. It’s called “The Miracle On Ice” because a miracle is what the United States men’s Olympic hockey team looked like they needed to defeat the mighty Soviet hockey machine. And even if you could care less about hockey, it’s still inspiring to think about a huge underdog that rose to become champion. With that in mind, check out this verse: “He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order” (1 Samuel 2:8 NLT). In God’s Kingdom, He transforms people from underdogs to champions. He’s that kind of God! So when it comes to places in your life where you feel like you’re losing, just turn to Him. And when you encounter people who seem like they’re losing, remember this verse. Ask God to give you a faith in Him that is bigger than your current circumstances. And ask Him to help you see others through that same lens. Today, try praying something like this: God, I feel like the biggest underdog sometimes. Take my biggest weaknesses and struggles and transform them into something better. I want to honor you with my life, but so often I fall short. I need your help, grace, and guidance. Make me a champion for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.