“His coach said he’s a little dog who thinks he’s a big dog.”
The ESPN broadcaster words stood out among the other commentators’ insights. It was perhaps the biggest highlight of Georgia Bulldogs’ senior Christopher Smith’s college career. A 74-yard interception return against the Clemson Tigers on Sept. 4 became the deciding play on a game with an outcome that challenged all predictions. My bulldogs were the underdog (pun intended), and yet, the focus, boldness, and determination of a 5-foot-11-inch defense player stood out as over 6-foot-tall giants pursued him all the way to the end zone.
I love a good underdog story. Something moves within our spirit when we hear the accounts of people who overcome limitations and rise above everyone’s expectations.
History tells the story of numerous exceptional men and women whose destiny far surpassed their humble, often broken beginnings. Whether through hard work, persistence, extraordinary faith, or a combination of all these traits, they stand up taller than their stature, astonishing those who witnessed the beginning of their story.
Scriptures are also filled with underdog stories. From Amos, a shepherd-turned prophet to King David — a frail, teenage boy who brought down a taunting giant with a sling, a stone, and a firm trust in his omnipotent God. From Joseph, a slave-turned second in command of the greatest nation of his time to a band of 12 outcasts chosen by the Messiah to change the world. Indeed, God loves to use broken, unlikely, or small vessels to defy all odds and even change history.
But whether faith plays the central role in someone’s success story or not, there is an element that is true to every winner: focus.
When facing challenges, winners refuse to look back or fix their eyes on their limitations. Instead, they deliberately shut down doubts, opposition and discouragement, and set their minds on the goal.
In his “Joy Letter” to the Philippian church, the apostle Paul shared this concept from a believer’s perspective — words which have inspired Christians throughout the centuries:
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize (...)”
At the beginning of chapter three, where we find these words, the apostle describes his many credentials, both as a pure-blooded Hebrew from an elite tribe and also as a Roman citizen.
Paul had a past filled with reasons not to pursue the calling of God to spread the gospel to the Roman empire. He could certainly have settled for the easy life of a Pharisee, a life he knew all too well. But his destiny was radically changed when he had a personal encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus.
After receiving his calling, Paul knew that he had to focus. He would never be able to finish his race had he fixated on his past or the confinement of the prison walls. Instead, his perseverance, even in chains, moved him forward against all odds to fulfill his life’s destiny. Nothing would stop him.
Likewise, so many voices shout for our attention when we are running toward a goal. But these voices can only prevail if we allow them to. They may say we’re not good enough. They may shout that we are too weak or taunt us with the idea that we are alone in the race. And they may be right on all fronts.
But if we have God on our side and believe in his attributes, we know better because while everything within and around us may shout defeat, the same voice that spoke the stars into existence whispers life and victory into our lives. We may not be able, but he is. We may be weak, but he is mighty. We may be lonely, but he is with us.
Undoubtedly, the outcome of your race will be determined by which voice you will allow prevailing.
You may be a small dog. But if you listen to the right voice, you can dare to move forward to the end zone with confidence; eyes fixed on the prize of a race well run, believing that with God, you are indeed “a big dog.”
Patricia Holbrook is a columnist, author, blogger and international speaker. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com to learn about her speaking ministry, Bible studies and book. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com
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