Beliving in Victory

Here's a good Christian application of Appalachian State's upset of Michigan last Saturday by the pastor at my church, Pastor Kregg Burris at First Baptist Church Bedford, Indiana (http://www.firstbaptistbedford.com/), as written in this week's church newsletter:

I'm not sure how many of you watched the major upset over the weekend. The small David, Appalachian State University from Boone, North Carolina, defeated Goliath #5 ranked Michigan at home in "The Big House" with over 110,000 in attendance. Nobody expected a close game; certainly nobody thought they had any chance of a Division 1-AA program taking down a Big Ten school. But it happened.

The key to the victory, according to Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore was that the team came into the game with an attitude that they could win. Appalachian State has won 15 straight games, the longest streak in the nation. They had a tough task before them, but unlike other teams, they did not become intimidated by the size or scope of the game. For them, it was their Rose Bowl. For Michigan, it was just a notch closer for them to become the next national champions. This creates a perfect storm of overconfidence nurtured by pride and self assurance set up to be humbled by the perseverance and aggressive commitment of the underdog that has nothing to lose.

The Michigan fans stood in stunned silence after the field goal was blocked with seconds remaining on the clock. The Appalachian fans went wild watching the same event unfold before their eyes. Sports history was made: the first time a football championship subdivision team beat a nationally ranked team. The impossible (or perhaps improbable) does happen.

God often will use the small, but highly committed to topple the arrogant mighty. Faith believes and achieves. Doubt and fear defeats and retreats. "This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is is that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." -- 1 John 5:4-5. Our faith enables us to watch the Goliath's of our life fall down before us. Our faith enables us to see victory when others see defeat. Our faith empowers us to victory in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. May you experience faith's victory today.