Legendary golf champion Arnold Palmer said, “Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.” His words encourage us to be persistent and do our best through life’s challenges. But what is the motivation that fuels persistence? There must be an inner resolve that keeps us going—a deeper strength not dependent on human striving.
Faith is the key factor in believing against all odds. It’s trusting not in our capabilities but in God’s proficiency. Through Jesus, we are given the confidence to walk boldly in faith, maintaining hope when all feels hopeless.
Hebrews 10:19-23 says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
This powerful passage provides a blueprint for walking by faith. It’s a personal invitation to receive the strength and assurance we need to believe against all odds. I pray it encourages you on your faith journey.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in Matthew 27:51, which describes the moment of Jesus’ death. It says, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” Along with other significant events, the temple's veil was physically torn in two, providing access to the Most Holy Place.
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This beautiful invitation is for all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. And at the feet of Abba Father, we receive mercy and grace to continue despite what comes against us.
Will you enter the Most Holy Place today and be strengthened for the journey? There is no greater power to sustain you than the power of God Himself. Hear His invitation today and receive all you need to believe against all odds.
Lord, please guide this reader to Your throne room where mercy and grace abound. Cover them with Your presence and uphold them with Your righteous right hand. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
A Declaration of Belief: “Lord, I believe in Your power to sustain me!”
The world will tell you to follow the numbers, look at the statistics, and rely on the data. But God says to follow the new and living way provided by the complete sacrifice of His Son. As Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The outcome of your situation is not based on the odds; it’s based on God's mighty work to lead you in the way you should go. Following Jesus means you hear His voice and do what He says. When doubt comes, you ask Him to make the path clear and trust that He will.
1 John 5:20 says, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”
Practically speaking, here are a few scenarios that defy all odds:
No matter what the odds say, we serve a mighty God capable of anything! Our job is to believe He can do it and remain steadfast in faith. Trust Him who is true and follow His ways. He’s got this. He’s got you.
Lord, please lead this child in Your new and living way, the way provided by Your Son, Jesus. Give them ears to hear and eyes to see the path You have marked out for them, in Jesus’ name, amen.
A Declaration of Belief: “Lord, Your ways are higher than mine!”
Assurance is key when believing against all odds, and being assured of God’s character strengthens our resolve. In Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And to Isaiah He said, “I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:11)
Draw near with full assurance today. You are equipped to believe against all odds because you have the Great I AM in your corner. He will never leave nor forsake you, no matter how deep the valley becomes.
If you are burdened by guilt, confess it to the faithful Father, and He will forgive, cleansing you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Be assured of His new mercies every morning, allowing you to draw near to Him with full assurance of faith. Oh, how He loves you and longs to fellowship with you!
Lord, please draw this reader close to Your heart, fully assured of who You are. Help them find joy in Your presence today, in Jesus’ name, amen.
A Declaration of Belief: “God is who He says He is!”
Whatever you’re believing God for today, hold unswervingly to His faithfulness. Against all odds, you can count on His word to comfort and guide. Here are a few powerful verses to take with you:
Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
It’s not easy believing against all odds, and it’s tempting to lose hope. But remember, you have a Good Father who defies all odds and is able to do far above what you could ever think or imagine. As Paul concluded in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
Lord, please do immeasurably more than this child could ever ask or imagine, working Your mighty power in their lives against all odds. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Declaration of Belief: “Lord, I trust in Your faithfulness!”
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