Thursday, June 16, 2011

Defying the Odds

Do you find yourself up against some pretty steep odds these days?

Maybe you have lost your job and you are wondering how you are going to pay your mortgage, or your car note, or maybe where your next meal is coming from.

Are you facing an illness that threatens to destroy you or a loved one?

Is there a mountain in front of you that seems impossible to climb?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions then know this:

We serve a God that Defies the Odds!

You can look back all through scripture and see where, in man's wisdom, a child of God was finished before He even began!

In the last post, I AM, we looked at how God called Moses, a stuttering, murderous, sheep herding fugitive to lead the entire Jewish Nation out of captivity from Egypt.

What are the odds of that?!?

To convince the Pharaoh to release the Israelites God had to send multiple plagues.
After they were released the Pharaoh had a change of heart and sent his army chasing after them.

You might have heard this story in Sunday School when you were a child but it is no less impressive today.

The Israelites were sandwiched between a blood thirsty army coming up from behind them and the Red Sea in front of them.

It was then that Moses held up His staff and relied on God to defy the odds!

God parted the Red Sea so that Moses and the 2 million Jewish followers could pass through to safety.
Then, after they were on the other side the sea came back together, drowning the Egyptian army that was chasing them!

In man's logic that is impossible.
It is against all odds!

We serve a God that specializes in turning the impossible situations of our lives into miraculous testimonies of His power!

What are the odds that twelve men would lay down their life's work and follow a carpenter's son who claimed to be the Messiah?

What are the odds that two fishes and five loaves of bread would feed thousands of hungry pilgrims? (Matthew 14:19)

What are the odds that a woman who suffered for years from an issue of blood would touch the hem of Jesus' garment and find healing? (Matthew 9:21, 22)

What are the odds that a man named Jairus would see his daughter raised from the dead just by believing? (Luke 8:50-55)

What are the odds that the creator of all things, the entire universe and all of it's galaxies, would send His Son to die as the ultimate sacrifice so that He could have oneness with you and I?

The odds of any of those things would be astounding but it doesn't matter.

God Defies the Odds!

Does God still heal today?
You bet He does, through the power of Jesus Christ!

Isaiah 53:5 tells us, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (K.J.V.) 

Does God care if I can afford to keep a roof over my head or if I have food to eat?
Yes, He certainly does care and He promises to provide for you.

In Philippians 4:19 we read, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus."

Does God even see how tough life is for me right now?
God see's your trials and He promises to bring you through them.

Psalms 23:4 tells us, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

God isn't looking at the odds.

He isn't scared or anxious about the Red Sea that is blocking your path or the charging army that threatens you from behind.

No matter how bleak your situation looks, remember that we serve a Loving, Caring, Miracle Working God who takes pleasure in Defying the Odds!

He uses the simple things to confound the wise and promises you that He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you! (Hebrews 13:5)

No matter how bad the odds are stacked against you remember that God is greater!

Completely trust and rely on Him today.


As Always Remember:

God Loves You!
God Created You!
God Accepts You!

Until Next Time,

SavedByGrace

Our God (Is Greater) Chris Tomlin Passion Band