The Least Likely
By Rex Stump
“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.”-- Hebrews 12:1
Eric Reed, a horse trainer, felt like he had everything going his way. And then a fire destroyed his barns and killed 23 of his horses. He said, “I never questioned the Lord, but I asked why I got knocked down?” Eric then purchased a horse named Rich Strike that raced and finished last. He saw something in that horse that no one else saw. Years later, Eric’s horse took the place of a horse that withdrew from the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Neither the owner, trainer, nor jockey had ever been in the Kentucky Derby. The odds of winning were 80 to one, and yet, he won!
God came to a man named Gideon to be instrumental in helping His people. What was Gideon’s reply? “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15). Through history God has chosen the least likely to reach the lost, serve, and lead. You may not think highly of yourself or believe that you can make a difference. You are wrong! Just because you have failed, doesn’t mean God won’t work through you to be victorious for Him.
Rich Strike wasn’t the biggest, best, or most valued horse. He didn’t have a good starting position. He wasn’t even picked to be in the race originally. But he won. In the same way, we may not be the popular or the most talented. We may have failed many times in life. Our background may be littered with non-shareable moments. We feel like the least likely. But God doesn’t see it that way.
Don’t give up, just because life has tripped you up. God has chosen you to run the race for Him. He loves you, equips you, and runs with you.
- Have you ever felt unqualified or inadequate?
- When you get knocked down, do you give up?
- What can you do to remind yourself that God has called you to be victorious?
Psalm 121:1-3
Psalm 40:16-17