GOD IS FOR THE UNDERDOG

Based on the title, you might think this blog is about the “Super Bowl LX” since we’re close in time to the event, and that I’m a New England Patriots fan. Except, I was born in Seattle and loyal as a dog, so there. Go Seahawks! Nevertheless, I’m more into the Super Bowl for its commercials and the snacks. Sorry to disappoint.

Instead, I got to thinking about a sign I saw along the road. I don’t mean a spiritual sign or vision. Well, maybe I do. We’ll see how this blog goes as I write while waiting on my car to get serviced that I bought used and have driven for ten years already. I’m starting to call her Old Faithful; she’s just like me (knock on wood). Anyhoo!

So there used to be a sign along the road when I went anywhere. Because I live in an area where if you want to get basic groceries or decent gasoline, it requires a bit of a commute. There’s a main road that takes you one way or the other, in or out. I’m by no means in the boonies. I’ve lived in boonies a few times in my life, even in national forests and such, and this isn’t that by far. Still, if you have to get anywhere, there’s one main road to take to one of the closest three towns.

 

And along the way, tucked in the woods shouldering the road, nailed to a tree at the edge, was a yellowed and dingy white sign with black lettering that read “GOD IS FOR THE UNDERDOG”. I’m not sure it was that easy to see, but it was visible to me. Ever since the one day I caught it in my line of sight, I’ve looked for it every time I drove by. Because I love it. I love that sentiment. I can relate to it in a lot of ways. And if we’re being honest, can’t we all? Aren’t we all underdogs in one sense or another?

 

Underdog by dictionary terms means: A person who has little status in society. And while we might not all relate to the Biblical heroine named Rahab. She’s a good example of little status in society. Rahab was the Canaanite prostitute we find in the book of Joshua (chapters 2 and 6). A model for conversion and transformation, she left her pagan lifestyle after hiding two Israelite spies and married into the Jewish lineage (Matthew 1:5). Ruth’s beloved Boaz was her son; she was also the great-great-grandmother of King David, so she’s included in the genealogy of Yeshua. She was a marginalized part of society who God touched and led to a pure and purpose-filled life.

 

Another term for Underdog is: A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest, such as David, a then young shepherd boy, who defeated Goliath the giant with a simple slingshot. He became one of the most famous kings. Or Gideon, the least of his clan, fearful and hesitant, who God called to lead Israel to victory over the Midianites with only 300 men. Gideon gained strength and faith in God’s promise.

 

These are just a few examples. The Bible is full of accounts where God uses underdogs to accomplish great feats, proclaim his majesty, turn wrongs into rights, and exemplify faith to the world’s faithless bunches. The most important lesson-telling history is made by underdogs. When it comes to spiritual matters, we are all underdogs. None of us have a winning chance for things to work out in this life into the next, without the provision being made for our lack, hesitation, sins, or weaknesses.

 

Yeah, I am an underdog. I am fully aware my constant need of the Lord’s help… in every single thing from minor to major. But you know who was the greatest underdog of all? Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah. Born lowly, rejected and despised; he fulfilled prophecies, conquered death and offered the way for an inheritance of Heaven and acceptance by a holy God on behalf of the rest of us dogs who he loves so much. He agreed to become a kind of underdog the world had never seen to champion our lost fallen-human cause.

 

One day, a few months back, I saw a cluster of people around the underdog sign along the road. One person was taking it down, and I slowed my driving and whispered, “No… don’t take it down.” Because I enjoyed the reminder. But the sign disappeared. I don’t know whose it was, but I was thankful for them. It meant something to me. Encouraged me on some days. I wonder how many more noticed that sign and were affected by that seemingly simple underdog way of speaking.

 

In its place went up some big, burly sign—with kind of a cool design, and with words that I have no idea what they mean. It reminds me of a trailhead indicator or something. Unless it’s private property, that’s exactly the kind of thing I’d go and explore. Curious minds, you know… (get in trouble, I must keep telling myself). 😊

 

I realized, though, that I don’t really need to see the old underdog sign. I can remember it, and do, each time I drive by. It’s still there in my head. And the Word of God, with all those brilliant and lovely stories and unlikely individuals, are in my heart. Especially that of my Lord and Savior.

 

God is for the underdog, forever and always. Remember that. From one underdog to another. God is for you; he is not against you (Romans 8:31). His power, love, and grace are on the side of believers. So if you’re feeling low, experiencing hardship, conflicts, or opposition of any kind, nothing negatively ultimate or long-term will prevail. YOU have God’s favor. GOD’S! The God of the universe shines his face kindly and with love and compassion on you, and on the matters of your heart. You win!