AGAINST ALL ODDS

[Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi]

Dearly Beloved,

AGAINST ALL ODDS

"After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do'" (Acts 13:22 NIV).

I am not an ardent football fan neither do I have any particular football club as my favourite. Even the national football teams of my country are not my favourite teams. However, I follow the trend in football with interest. The feat of Chelsea Football Club of England to become the European champions against all odds recently is noteworthy. The club used to change coaches like changing clothes.  The coach that led the club to the continental glory was an unknown sacked and rejected coach who acted because the club had no substantive coach. The players in the club are not world class compared to those in other clubs. The club was inconsistent in winning games. In fact, it wobbled to be where it was at the end of the final Barclays Premier League Table this season. Nobody ever thought the club would reach the quarter final of the European most glamorous football club competition, the UEFA Champions League. Against all odds, the club at home beat the defending champion and the favoured club (FC Barcelona) to win the competition. Even that favoured club could not beat Chelsea FC at its own backyard. Against all odds, Chelsea FC beat its opponent (FC Bayern München) in front of its teaming supporters at home (in the Fußball Arena München) to become the European champion after a century of its existence. Against all odds, Chelsea FC became toast of many people in a twinkling of an eye. Against all odds, the club became the proverbial Yoruba man that was supposed to be sold for a lamp who became one that people now find light to behold.

Against all odds, David son of Jesse became the king of Israel. He was the youngest in his father's family. Nobody thought of him even when God sent Samuel to go and anoint one of the sons of Jesse as the next king of Israel. He was forgotten in the field where he was taking care of the sheep (see 1 Samuel 16). Against all odds, he at long last became the king of Israel (see 2 Samuel 5) and did everything God wanted him to do (see Acts 13:22) and "served God's purpose in his own generation" (Acts 13:36 NIV). Against all odds, he became a reference point in the history of Israel (compare 1 Kings 3:14; 9:4; 15:5; 2 Chronicles 17:3; 29:2; 34:2).

What is your background? What are you passing through presently? How long have you been pursuing a goal? Against all odds, you also can be victorious and be celebrated. Against all odds, you also can become a reference point. Because the love of the Lord endures forever, He will support you in every area of your life. Against all odds, He will perfect everything that concerns you and you will have a fulfilled destiny in Jesus' name. Amen. 

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).