Have you ever felt:
-- unwanted
-- unloved
-- unintelligent
-- un.....
God is bigger than any "un" you might feel.
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:7
We love underdog stories (check out this year's Kentucky Derby race for an incredible underdog story: Just click here)
We love to hear the underdog stories, but we usually don't like being the underdog. It's uncomfortable and without faith it is the pits!
Paul was an underdog:
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17
And when he got saved the disciples didn't believe him!
Plus, Paul wrote a lot of his letters from prison!
Jesus was the ultimate underdog:
Known as A carpenter's son
Called Illegitimate
Homeless
Not wealthy monetarily
Not from an important family
Just a wandering preacher -- no church
Powerless against the Romans and Pharisees
Not a military leader
But He is who changed the world.
The Message of Christ:
Be the underdog. Be last. Be the servant.
31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:31
Go for what God wants.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
Follow the narrow path.
19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me." John 15:19-21
Jesus's way isn't the popular way. Following Jesus means the world will hate you. But hang on Jesus says.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:32-34
Go against the world. You're going to be challenged. You will be persecuted. Love, love, love.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
We are working for the kingdom of God. The last will be first.
"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22
God's will in Christ.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8
At just the right time! Jesus came at just the right time. He will come again at just the right time. We are living at the just the right time to do Christ's work. The world is spinning out of control. God put us here for His reasons. We're here to do something. Use it for our strength -- the Word of God.
"10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:10-11
God wants us to have a full life. Hold on!
"9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”" Joshua 1:9
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
There was Jesus! In the dark spots, in the alleys, He was and is there. God's timing, God's will, God's message:
"The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
God is with us!
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
63 million children have been killed in our country since Roe vs Wade was passed.
Follow God's word and You're good!
Don't forget.
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9
People are suffering. Between now and then do God's work. We can overcome the world, sin and death because Jesus already has!