What draws us to an underdog story? Is it the triumph of the “human spirit”? Or is it the inspiring stories of individuals that, despite the odds, pull themselves up out of the quagmire of their circumstance “by their own boot straps”? I think both of these fall short of what really draws us to these stories. This humanistic worldview does not seem to jive with a Christian worldview but these stories, nonetheless, remain favourites of ours. What is it then that draws us in? I do believe it has something to do with biblical truth that is not always highlighted but still remains evident. God has always been in the habit of partnering with unlikely “heroes”. Story after story in the Old Testament illustrates God’s use of the little ones to carry out His will or to be his messengers. Even in stories like The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, small hands are used to accomplish a great task not out of sheer power but a humble and contrite disposition. Favour falls upon those who are bent to the will of a high calling. I think we find the story of the underdog compelling, in part, because we long for the source of all love and power to partner with us to do great things for the Kingdom cause. We can illuminate the truth of the Word by diminishing our role and letting the glory and power of our God shine through. We are called to be poor in spirit, to become nothing so that God’s power can be revealed in us. It is moments and postures such as this that we are able to grow, that we are able to be taught, and that we are fully able to partner with God. It is an encouraging thought that God, in His infinite love for us, chooses us despite all that we lack. It enables us to give it all for His glory, and honour and praise. May His transforming power be evident in your life this week as we seek to grow and learn more about Him, His creation and His created order.
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