Wise Underdogs

Wise Underdogs | lylidunbar.com

In the late 1960’s, a popular cartoon portrayed a dog named Shoeshine Boy who would step into a phone booth and transform into a superhero named Underdog to fight crime. Like any underdog, however, his “powers” were at times inconsistent and problematic. While trying to save the world, the dog wearing a cape would cause collateral damage that sometimes complicated life.

I’ve often wished I had a super power. In my dreams, I picture myself marching confidently toward the enemy with a lasso in hand that helps restore peace and order and uphold the truth in our crazy world. But in real life, I am more underdog than Wonder Woman. In my own strength, I can’t save the world. I only create more chaos.

It comforts me to read the Gospels and realize that God often selects underdogs for His Kingdom purposes. The disciples were a motley crew of uneducated fishermen who seemed unlikely heroes. Yet, God used them to change the world.

God pours His strength into willing vessels. The Bible is full of stories where defeat seemed certain, but God stepped in to display His power through the weakness of an obedient follower. The boy David defeated Goliath with a single stone stone. Gideon and a small band of brothers defeated the foe carrying trumpets and clay pots, rather than swords.

When we surrender our all to God, He accepts our meager offering and multiplies our efforts to help minister to others. Remember five thousand people ate lunch because a young boy voluntarily shared his skimpy meal.

Our weakness does not hinder us from being effectively used for God’s glory. The only quality that hampers the work of God in our lives is pride. We must set aside our self-sufficiency.

Arrogant skeptics refuse to believe that a Jewish carpenter is actually the Savior of the world. They question the wisdom of God and fail to accept that He chooses to work His wonder through what the world views as weak.

Wise underdogs step forward in faith understanding God’s miraculous might is most evident through frailty.

 

 

 

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I am sharing “Wise Underdogs” and joining like-minded sisters at Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Dance with Jesus, Heart Encouragement Thursday, Tune in Thursday, Chasing Community, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Porch Stories, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Tuesday Talk, and Dream Together, Moments of Hope.
“Wise Underdogs” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.

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12 Comments

  1. Hi Lyli! Your words remind me of Acts 4:13 and how it describes them as ordinary men who had been with Jesus… and just like Peter and John we pull our power from the Lord. Thank goodness God is gracious because there are many days I feel more like Underdog too 🙂 P.S. I’m loving your revamped site Lyli! Happy Tuesday!

  2. Love this! I take great comfort from the heroes of the Bible and how human and imperfect and sinful they were. It’s so true that God shows his strength through our weaknesses. ❤

    1. Yes, I realize by reading their stories that it really isn’t about me at all. God doesn’t need me, but if I am open to being used, then He shows up with His power and provision.

  3. Your neighbor at Coffee for Your Heart. Isn’t it so beautiful how the Lord empowers us to live out His will and fulfill His purposes? Thank you for sharing this. I loved Underdog. And, I love to read in the Bible how the Lord uses the ordinary men and women of those times to accomplish such amazing things, all for His glory. We must only trust, yield, and obey. May your soul be refreshed in the One who empowers you for His glory.

  4. Your words made me think of a quote I love, “When dependence is the objective, our weakness is an advantage.” I love that God takes what we bring and does exceedingly more. There is such hope in that. We don’t have to have everything, we just need to humbly surrender what we have. So glad to be your neighbor at #porchstories today. Hugs, Lyli.

  5. “Never fear, Underdog is here!” That was one of my favorite cartoons back in the day. Way back! Joining you in being grateful that God uses all of us. The world has plenty of experts and stars. What the world need is more Jesus-Hearted everyday people that make a difference right where they are.

  6. Hello Lyli. I remember Underdog. I also remember Wonder Woman and wanted her abilities. Yep. That didn’t happen.
    But I’m so thankful, “our weakness does not hinder us from being effectively used for God’s glory.” Love this! ❤
    (And your site re-do is gorgeous, btw.)

  7. Hi Lyli – This passage out of 1 Corinthians so speaks of my life. I so have lived most of my life wanting to be wonder women, but in reality feeling like the underdog. I always ask God – why in the world did you choose me, and I would always be reminded of this Scripture. I vaguely remember watching underdog, too LOL

    Thank you for linking up with #TuneInThursday today! I am so blessed to have you linking your posts as part of the community each Thursday

  8. “God pours strength into willing vessels.” — This simple statement struck me as powerful insight. Thanks for sharing, Lyli. ((xoxo))

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