Underdog ∙

Underdog ∙

God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. – 1 Corinthians 1:27

Jeremiah 29:11-14

11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
12 In those days when you pray, I will listen.
13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
14 I will be found by you, says the LORD.

Released in 2021, American Underdog captures the remarkable and uplifting journey of Kurt Warner, portrayed by Zachary Levi. This inspiring film chronicles Warner’s incredible transformation from working as a stockboy in a grocery store to becoming a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and a celebrated Hall of Fame quarterback. It chronicles the inspiring Kurt’s story, the quintessential poster child of the American underdog. His life story is a testament to perseverance and faith. The film opens with a young Kurt Warner captivated by Joe Montana’s triumph in Super Bowl XIX, which sparks his dream to become a Super Bowl MVP quarterback himself.

Kurt’s path is fraught with challenges. Overlooked in the NFL draft, he finds himself unemployed and temporarily homeless. Yet, his spirit remains unbroken. Undaunted, Kurt perseveres. Taking a night job stocking shelves at a grocery store, Kurt learns a valuable life lesson: true success is not measured on the football field but instead by how one responds when confronted with overwhelming disappointment. Success is defined as resilience in the face of adversity. His tenacity leads him to the Arena Football League with the Iowa Barnstormers, where his talents begin to shine.

Kurt’s break comes when St. Louis Rams’ head coach Dick Vermeil, a former undrafted player himself, recognizes Kurt’s potential and makes him the second-string quarterback. Trent Green, the starting quarterback, is injured and out for the 1999 NFL season. Kurt seizes his opportunity and becomes the starting quarterback. Kurt wins his first game by picking the Ravens’ defense apart. His victory begins The Greatest Show on Turf and a 13-3 season record for the Rams.

Kurt’s remarkable journey culminates in a victory at Super Bowl XXXIV, where he not only secures the win but also breaks Joe Montana’s record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl. His achievements earned him two NFL MVP titles and the Super Bowl MVP honor. In 2017, Kurt’s extraordinary career was immortalized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Throughout his journey, Kurt’s faith plays a pivotal role, guiding him from underdog to champion. His story is a powerful reminder that while life may cast us as underdogs, faith can elevate us to unimaginable heights. His faith made him a champion.

Kurt realized his purpose through adversity. The Father had a far greater purpose in mind for Kurt than he could ever imagine. The same is true of each child of the King. The Father has a dream for each of us.

Ephesians 3:20 God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

The apostle Paul prays that the Father will empower the children of the King with inner strength through His Spirit from His glorious, unlimited resources (Ephesians 3:16).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Do what you can do, till you can do what you want to do” (Kurt Warner).

Father, I thank You for being the God of underdogs. You often use ordinary people to accomplish remarkable, if not supernatural, tasks. Encourage me to believe that if Kurt Warner can do it, I can, too.

INSIGHT

In a sense, all children of the King are underdogs. The Father favors the underdog and empowers them to rise above their humble beginnings. With faith and determination, we, too, can achieve greatness.

1 Corinthians 1:27 God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

Life often presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable. The Lord Jesus Christ reveals how difficult it is for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God. But the thinking on the street was that the well-off had far better prospects for entering the kingdom of God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Wealth and material possessions are stumbling blocks to the affluent. The wealthy rely on their own means rather than on the Father. True spiritual growth demands faith and dependence on the Father.

Mark 10:23-26

23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!”
24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God.
25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

The message was shocking to His followers, who grappled with the notion that achieving salvation seemed nearly impossible. Jesus simplified the doctrine of salvation by asserting that if it relied solely on human effort, it would be unattainable for anyone. However, salvation is a divine gift, where all things are possible through God. Those who depend on their own strength and possessions cannot find salvation, but those who place their trust in God’s saving grace and love can fully embrace it (Barclay).

Through His teachings, the Lord Jesus Christ distinguishes between human limitations and God’s miraculous power. As seen in Mark 10:27, “With man, it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” This sentiment is echoed in John 15:5 Apart from Me, you can do nothing, but with Me, nothing remains impossible. Life’s demands may seem overwhelming, yet they pale in comparison to the might of the risen Son of God (Stanley).

How do children of the King actualize the power of the living God in their lives? How does the impossible become possible?

Philippians 4:11-12

11 I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Despite his circumstances, Paul mastered the art of genuine contentment. The Greek term autarkes, often translated as “content,” originally signified complete self-sufficiency and independence, a concept embraced by Greek and Roman cultures. They believed in steeling themselves against life’s inevitable challenges through sheer willpower (Barclay).

In contrast, Paul proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” because he had learned to be God-sufficient. Unlike the philosophers who pursued contentment through self-reliance, Paul found it in his unwavering faith. He could confront any situation because he walked with Christ, whose presence enabled him to endure all trials.

Philippians 4:13 emphasizes this truth: “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” Paul shattered the notion of self-sufficiency, embracing Christ-sufficiency, a life powered by Christ’s strength. “In effect, this sentence [Philippians 4:13] spells out at the practical level the slogan of his life, expressed in Philippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ (Fee).

Kurt and Brenda Warner experienced this same strength and contentment, and it is available to all children of the King. Through faith and reliance on Christ, we, too, can find true contentment and face life’s challenges through Christ-sufficiency.

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© Dr. H 2024