Against All Odds
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause division and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17, ESV)
For Insight
The story began with, “Despite success being very unlikely he was able to do it, against all odds.” Naturally it held my attention from page one and turned out to be an inspirational story.
When something happens against all odds it happens or succeeds although it seems impossible or very unlikely. Against all odds someone becomes the head of their company, completes a degree, survives a vicious attack, comes back from a lengthy and life-threatening illness or disease, does something no one thought would or could happen simply because of the odds being faced.
When the apostle Paul was being transported by ship to Rome, they came upon a storm so severe it did not look as though they would survive, but against all odds, they reached their destination (Acts 17). Since the beginning, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden, everything we have been able to accomplish or do, overcome, and endure should have been against all odds, but for Jesus. When Jesus came out of the tomb he said, “all power and authority has been given to me.”
On our own we will never beat the odds. Satan bets on us losing out. He puts a full court press on just so we cannot make it through or overcome the odds. He strategizes, plots, prowls, piles on, steals, kills, destroys, contrives, blocks, closes, tempts, frustrates, whatever he can do in order that we don’t become that person who has a victorious ending. Who does not end up witnessing and testifying what can be done when their faith is in Jesus, has the Holy Spirit to lead and guide through life, and God the Father assuring all the promises He spoke over and knit into His child are accomplished?
When we read the Bible, we see so many stories of people who served God and fulfilled their assignments although the odds were against them: Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Esther, Mary, Joseph, Jeremiah, Job, Paul, Jesus. What is your personal story or journey and how much of it is dotted with he/she overcame, pressed on, succeeded, accomplished, made it through., served the Lord, kept the faith against all odds? How has the Lord strengthened and the Holy Spirit inspired you to keep going?
Praying Romans 16:17
Sometimes, Lord, we are accomplishing so much against all odds; everything seems stacked against us but because You are with us, we are not overcome or defeated. Thank You for making our stories, no matter how tragic or trying, one of victory. Amen
Prayer Challenge
Ask the Lord to help you push through the obstacles you face that threaten to come between you and the promises of God for your life.
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 