Podcasts about Unlikely Heroes

Sunday morning message from Pastor Matthew Forsythe

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes New York Times bestselling author Sara Pennypacker to discuss her powerful new historical novel, The Lions' Run. Sara shares how her father's experience as a teenage POW in a German prison camp during World War II influenced the story—and how a little-known Nazi program called the Lebensborn became the emotional trigger that set her empathetic orphan hero, Lucas, into action.From redefining what courage looks like for young readers to trusting kids with big, complicated questions about justice and resistance, Sara reveals why empathy is the true root of all bravery, how Joseph Campbell's storytelling wisdom shaped a pivotal cherry strudel scene, and why Jon Klassen's breathtaking cover art inspired her to go back and make the book even better.Whether you're a parent looking for meaningful middle grade historical fiction, an educator exploring WWII through a fresh lens, or a fan of Pax eager to see what Sara does next, this conversation is a moving celebration of quiet heroism and the enduring power of story.Read the transcript on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠.Highlights:The Epigraph That Says It All: Why an African proverb about elephants and grass perfectly captures the heart of the bookThe Lebensborn Program: The little-known Nazi eugenics program that inspired the story—and why Sara felt compelled to bring it to light for kidsEmpathy as Courage: Why Lucas was never really a coward, and why Sara believes true bravery always begins with caring about someone other than yourselfThe Termite Theory: How many small, quiet acts of resistance—not one loud heroic moment—can take down something enormousCherry Strudel and Joseph Campbell: How the antagonist's own power gets turned against her in one of the most satisfying scenes in the bookJon Klassen's Cover: How seeing the finished art sent Sara back to her manuscript for one final, vibe-elevating revisionBig Cheese Preview: A sneak peek at Sara's next book—and why she's finally giving a child character all the powerNotable Quotes:"The true root of all courage is empathy. You have to care enough about someone other than yourself to go into some kind of action." —Sara Pennypacker"No matter what you are resisting, you are not alone. There are people working behind the scenes." —Sara PennypackerBooks Mentioned:The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠The Borrowers by Mary Norton: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠About Sara Pennypacker:Sara Pennypacker is the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Clementine series, the Pax duology, and her newest novel, The Lions' Run. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have earned numerous awards and honors. A former painter, Sara brings a visual artist's sense of structure and scene to every story she writes. She lives in Florida.Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Sara PennypackerProducer: Bianca Schulze

Sunday morning message from Pastor Jamey Stiefel

Sunday morning message from Steve Backlund

Discover how an unstoppable God transforms ordinary people into unlikely heroes through His incredible power in this powerful sermon by Dr. Jonathan Schaefer from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dive into the timeless Bible story from 2 Kings 5, where a young servant girl's simple act of faith sparks life-changing miracles, healing Naaman's leprosy and igniting a profound faith journey. Hear inspiring Christian testimonies of global impact—from widows in Burkina Faso to missionaries in Peru and beyond—showing how God's power flows through those available to God, no matter their age or status. This message of spiritual encouragement reminds us that integrity, confidence, and small acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes, just as God uses ordinary people today for His missions worldwide. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own faith journey or real stories of encouragement, this sermon highlights how anyone can experience and share God's miracles. What unlikely hero story has God written in your life? Share in the comments below, like if this sparked your faith, subscribe for more uplifting Bible stories and sermons, and share with someone who needs this testimony today!

Discover how an unstoppable God transforms ordinary people into unlikely heroes through His incredible power in this powerful sermon by Dr. Jonathan Schaefer from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dive into the timeless Bible story from 2 Kings 5, where a young servant girl's simple act of faith sparks life-changing miracles, healing Naaman's leprosy and igniting a profound faith journey. Hear inspiring Christian testimonies of global impact—from widows in Burkina Faso to missionaries in Peru and beyond—showing how God's power flows through those available to God, no matter their age or status. This message of spiritual encouragement reminds us that integrity, confidence, and small acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes, just as God uses ordinary people today for His missions worldwide. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own faith journey or real stories of encouragement, this sermon highlights how anyone can experience and share God's miracles. What unlikely hero story has God written in your life? Share in the comments below, like if this sparked your faith, subscribe for more uplifting Bible stories and sermons, and share with someone who needs this testimony today!

God doesn’t need your perfect resume. He needs your availability. No matter how ordinary or imperfect you may feel, He can use you. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that Jesus picked some surprising people for His disciples. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God doesn’t need your perfect resume. He needs your availability. No matter how ordinary or imperfect you may feel, He can use you. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that Jesus picked some surprising people for His disciples. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Sick Podcast, Pierre McGuire joins Tony Marinaro to break down the Montreal Canadiens' 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, Habs finish off a remarkable stretch of games heading into the Olympic break, Samuel Montembeault playing with confidence, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson and Phillip Danault building strong chemistry together, Lane Hutson seemingly creating magic every game and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before thunder and lightning, before Anochi Hashem Elokecha, the Torah pauses for a quiet but crucial conversation. Why does a Midianite outsider notice what no one else does? And why does Sinai have to wait? Rabbi Dunner explores Yitro's unlikely role in shaping leadership, responsibility, and the conditions that make Torah possible.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison checks in from the Penguins' Western Canada road trip to break down the latest happenings around the team. Where did the Penguins find the depth scoring that allowed them to win comfortably in Seattle against the Kraken? Can they rely on names like Parker Wotherspoon, Connor Clifton and Brett Kulak to give them offensive production amid blue-line injuries? Or will those goals have to come from more likely sources like Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust? King also breaks down the latest news. When will Erik Karlsson return from injury, and how long might Kris Letang be out? King tackles those topics and more, plus gives some info on the team's recent trade with the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Ilya Solovyov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joshua 2: An Unlikely Hero (Joshua - Pain & Promises) taught by Pastor Dave Rolph on 01-04-26.

Let's do this! The Cult of Hockey podcast. By the Faithful and for the Faithful. Today Kurt Leavins and David Staples of the Edmonton Journal digs into the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 win over the Jets of Winnipeg.

What makes a good hero? How does God build his kingdom? What does following Jesus look like? In today's episode, Keith shares how Isaiah 52:13-53:12 gives us three reasons why Jesus is an unlikely hero, and why that's good news for us. Read the Bible with us in 2026! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

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Unlikely Heroes - Thomas Lee, Teaching Pastor by North Valley Church

By David W Hershberger - God often seems to choose people for His work who seem to be ill-suited for the task. This is a recurring pattern we encounter so often in Scripture, where God deliberately chooses the weak, the broken, and the unlikely for purposes that reshape the world, while supplying the very strength needed to

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Brent Lindstrom , author of the book One for the Money, Two for the Soul. Having lived in Utah most of his life, you might say that he's known a lot of Christians. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He love a good adventure novel or movie, but frustrations over content have influenced him to write adult type novels without the annoying sex and profanity that litter so many books today.   He's always enjoyed a good book, and he's enjoyed writing.  At this time, he's only able to write part time.  Some day, when he's had enough fun at his day job, he might hope to make storytelling more of a career.  His ambitions are currently to write about one novel per year.  Then hopefully as more people come to enjoy them, he'll shift gears and start a production studio, bringing all his stories to the big screen. So many people get stuck doing something their whole lives that they aren't passionate about. He says "Live your dreams!"   In my book review, I stated One for the Money, Two for the Soul effectively combines fantasy and suspense. Although these are not usually my 'go-to' genres, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe you will, too! We quickly meet Winnie, a whimsical child full of curiosity and imagination. Unfortunately, she becomes the latest casualty in a soul-snatcher's plot. But the plot runs awry, snatching only half - the logical half - of Winnie's soul. The rest of the story follows Winnie and the recipient of the logic, Garm. The two halves couldn't be more different - and yet, both realize they are missing something needful. The evil doctor is working on how to put souls into new bodies with a memory intact - as a way to live on forever. An assassin is actively working against the doctor. Garm and Winnie find themselves in the middle, along with others they meet along the way. This novel is filled with whimsy and suspense, allowing the reader to both laugh out loud and turn the pages to find out what happens next. A must-read!   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Website: https://www.bluehpublishing.com/ FB: @LightMindedArts IG: @lightmindedarts   Purchase a copy of One for the Money, Two for the Soul: Paperback: https://amzn.to/4mZIvNC​ Kindle: https://amzn.to/4mZIvNC   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors #brentlindstrom #oneforthemoneytwoforthesoul #fantasy #suspense #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

As quirky and charming as Dandadan is on the surface, full of bright color, relatable young protagonists navigating first love and their growing bodies, wacky alien creatures and exciting fight sequences, Dandadan has a brilliant knack for knocking its viewers off their feet with unjarring and upsetting backstories. Dandadan is not always an easy watch. While there is constant, excessive stripping down of the story's young protagonists, if you're able to stomach the initial uneasiness to grapple with the entire picture, you'll find that creator Tatsu shares our concerns and fears. Ghouls discuss whether this show can be labeled as fan service or social commentary, cover the horrors of puberty, the power of friendship, and the unlikely hero, Momo.

Matthew 1:18-25

Happy 200th episode!!! This week Dusty and Joseph discuss the Samson.

So, look at the people God picks. Each of them looks weak at some point in their life. Each of them looks unqualified. They aren't the first choice. Each of them even have a great moment of failure. And yet … each of them have moments of great success — moments when you could potentially call them a … MIGHTY WARRIOR. What is it that makes them a mighty warrior? Is it something that they have within them? Is it something they are able to do on their own? Is it the potential that God sees in them? Or is it something else? Here's the answer, and then I'll show it to you. MIGHTY WARRIORS never set out to be hero's. They only set out to do what God asks them to do … and then God puts them in over their head so the sufficiency comes from him.

When reality isn’t enough, you build your universe. That’s precisely what J.F. Monroe did with the Legacy of the Four trilogy, creating a world where ancient powers walk among us and destiny can be rewritten by the courage of the human heart. A lifelong devotee of fantasy fiction, Monroe crafts stories that blend epic adventureContinue reading "Finding Unlikely Heroes for Your Story in Unexpected Places"

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Vote to Remember: Unlikely Heroes of the Election Day Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-11-01-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 秋の日、葉がオレンジやクリムゾンに染まり、風に舞う季節。地元のコミュニティセンターでは投票日が始まります。En: On an autumn day, when the leaves are dyed orange and crimson and dance in the wind, election day begins at the local community center.Ja: 静かな緊張感と期待感が漂い、人々はやってきて投票権を行使します。En: A quiet tension and sense of anticipation linger as people come to exercise their right to vote.Ja: そこで働くのはボランティアの蓮と明美です。En: Working there are volunteers Ren and Akemi.Ja: 蓮はまじめで良心的な青年で、市民としての責任を強く感じています。En: Ren is a serious and conscientious young man who feels a strong sense of responsibility as a citizen.Ja: しかし彼の心には、不確かな気持ちもありました。En: However, he also harbors uncertain feelings in his heart.Ja: 「自分の努力が本当に役立っているのだろうか？」と。En: "Is my effort really making a difference?" he wonders.Ja: 今日は思わしいスタートではありませんでした。En: The day didn't start off well.Ja: 機械の故障が発生し、混乱が広がります。En: A machine malfunction occurred, causing confusion to spread.Ja: 投票に来た人々も数が少なく、明美は少し疲れた顔をしています。En: The number of people coming to vote was also low, and Akemi seemed a bit tired.Ja: 「どうしてみんな来ないのだろう？」彼女は困惑します。En: "Why isn't everyone coming?" she wondered, perplexed.Ja: そんな中、蓮は列に並ぶ人々に声をかける決心をします。En: In the midst of this, Ren decides to speak to the people standing in line.Ja: 「お待ちいただいてありがとうございます。待つのは大変ですが、あなたの一票が大切です。」彼の言葉は人々の心に響き、少しずつ場が落ち着きを取り戻します。En: "Thank you for your patience. It's hard to wait, but your vote is important." His words resonate with the people, and gradually, the atmosphere begins to calm down.Ja: 蓮は明美にも声をかけます。En: Ren also speaks to Akemi.Ja: 「一票がどれだけ大事か。僕たちはここで人々を変えることができるんだ。」彼の言葉は、明美の疲れた心を励ましました。En: "Your vote matters. We can change people here." His words encouraged Akemi's weary heart.Ja: そして、蓮は突然の衝動に駆られ、集まった人々に即席のスピーチを始めます。En: Then, driven by a sudden impulse, Ren starts an impromptu speech to the gathered people.Ja: 「僕が投票に力を入れる理由は、過去に母が語ったヒーローの話です。この場所に立てていること、感謝しています。」彼の真摯な思いはその場の誰もの心を打ち、自然に拍手が湧き起こります。En: "The reason I'm passionate about voting is because of a hero story my mother once told me. I'm grateful to be standing here." His sincere thoughts touched everyone's hearts, and spontaneous applause arose.Ja: その直後、投票機の修理が完了し、再び順調に投票が進みます。En: Soon after, the voting machine was repaired, and voting proceeded smoothly once more.Ja: その日が終わるころには、予想を超える多くの人が投票にやって来ました。En: By the end of the day, more people than expected had come to vote.Ja: 蓮と明美は静かに喜びを分かち合い、彼らの努力が報われたことを実感します。En: Ren and Akemi quietly share their joy, realizing that their efforts had paid off.Ja: 蓮は今、確信を持っていました。En: Ren now felt certain.Ja: 直接人々に働きかけることの力を知り、市民としての責任感が胸の中で再び燃え上がります。En: He understood the power of directly engaging with people, and his sense of responsibility as a citizen was rekindled in his chest.Ja: こうして秋の日の選挙は終わりを迎え、蓮と明美は充実感に溢れた表情でセンターを後にします。En: And so, the election on that autumn day came to a close, and Ren and Akemi left the center with expressions filled with fulfillment.Ja: 風に舞う葉も、まるで彼らを称賛するかのように存在を輝かせていました。En: The leaves dancing in the wind seemed to shine as if celebrating them. Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋crimson: クリムゾンconscientious: 良心的harbor: 抱くuncertain: 不確かなmalfunction: 故障confusion: 混乱perplexed: 困惑patience: 忍耐resonate: 響くweary: 疲れたimpromptu: 即席sincere: 真摯spontaneous: 自然なapplause: 拍手repair: 修理smoothly: 順調にfulfillment: 充実感fulfill: 満たすanticipation: 期待感lingering: 漂いexercise: 行使decision: 決心impulse: 衝動grateful: 感謝rekindled: 燃え上がるengage: 働きかけるcelebrating: 称賛するshine: 輝くcitizen: 市民

In this episode of How to Fix Democracy, host Andrew Keen speaks with Derek Leebaert - historian, technologist and author of Unlikely Heroes - about the shifting foundations of trust in democracy. From Franklin D. Roosevelt's efforts to rebuild confidence in government during the New Deal era to today's rapid rise of articifical intelligence, Leebaert traces how accelerating technological change has shortened the lifespan in trust in institutions, leaders, and even truth itself. As AI transforms knowledge, work and power, is it a threat to democracy or a chance to renew it? Leebaert explores what "responsible AI" might look like - and why transparancy, accountability, and common-sense regulation are vital in restoring trust in a digital age.

Esther 7 The Unlikely Hero and The Process of God by Upcountry Calvary

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 5:19–27. “The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver. From heaven the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera. The torrent Kishon swept them away, the ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, with might! Then loud beat the horses' hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds. ‘Curse Meroz,' says the angel of the LORD, ‘curse its inhabitants thoroughly, because they did not come to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. ‘Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, of tent-dwelling women most blessed. He asked water and she gave him milk; she brought him curds in a noble's bowl. She sent her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workman's mallet; she struck Sisera; she crushed his head; she shattered and pierced his temple. Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay still; between her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell—dead.” — Judges 5:19-27 Deborah's song stretches from the battlefront to the heavenlies. Kings clashed at Taanach, but this wasn't just a human fight. “From heaven the stars fought” — a poetic way of saying that the forces of creation and the unseen armies of God joined the fray. The Kishon River swelled and swept the enemy away, as if the earth itself fought on Israel's side. It's cosmic warfare — the God of heaven moving heaven and earth to secure victory. And then the camera zooms in. Not to a general, not to a seasoned soldier, but to Jael — a tent-dwelling woman with no title, no rank, no sword. All she has are the tools of her everyday life: a tent peg and a mallet. Yet, in God's hands, those common items become the instruments that end the enemy's life and secure the victory. The same God who commands the stars also works through the simple obedience of His people. This is how God works — the cosmic and the common, side by side. He shakes the heavens and then uses the hammer in your hand. He commands rivers and then asks you to pour the cup of milk. He wins the battle, but He invites you into the moment that matters. We often think, If I only had more skill… more influence… more resources… then God could use me. But Jael reminds us — God doesn't need what you don't have. He uses what you do have. Your “tent peg” might be your job, your words, your generosity, your hospitality, or your willingness to speak truth when it's uncomfortable. You may feel like your role is small, but when you put it in God's hands, it becomes part of His cosmic plan. The question isn't whether God is fighting — He is. The question is whether you're ready to act when the moment comes. ASK THIS: What “tent pegs” has God already placed in your hands? Do you believe your ordinary skills can be part of God's cosmic plan? Why or why not? How does knowing God fights the big battle free you to act in small but significant ways? What's one ordinary act of obedience you can take today that could have eternal impact? DO THIS: Identify one ordinary skill, resource, or opportunity you already have. Offer it to God in prayer and be alert for how He might use it in the days ahead. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You that You fight the battles I cannot see. Take the simple tools in my hands and use them for Your glory in ways I could never imagine. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Available."

What happens when we're asked to carry more than we planned? Simon picked up the cross—and found discipleship in the process. What might God be calling you to carry? Video available at: https://youtu.be/TY7we00Q5Xc Message by Trent Jenkins & Allison Vandewarker.

What do you do when your prayers seem silent? Anna's decades of waiting teach us perseverance—God hears, even when it's quiet. Video available at: https://youtu.be/p7I4aVMQHXM Message by Trent Jenkins & Allison Vandewarker.

Feel overlooked or ordinary? God often chooses the humble to deliver the most extraordinary messages. Could He be using you today? Video available at: https://youtu.be/TMLBZmvB21k Message by Trent Jenkins & Allison Vandewarker.

The Baltimore Ravens are 1-1 across the first two weeks of the season. Where did the run game go in Week 2? Will Mike Green be able to fill the shoes of Kyle Van Noy after his injury? Rookie Teddye Buchanan is getting a lot of play at linebacker. Is that a demotion already for Trenton Simpson? #nfl #ravensflock #baltimoreravens #nflreactions Join us in YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/c/410SportsTalk Follow us on social media: Instagram: @410sportstalk X (Twitter): @410_sportstalk Check out our merch: https://410-sports-talk.creator-spring.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you respond when life feels chaotic? Like Mary, may our first reaction be trust and praise—even in the wildest storms. Video available at: https://youtu.be/HYS9y7QeOr4 Message by Trent Jenkins & Allison Vandewarker.

Unlikely Heroes — When God chooses the unexpected, stories transform. Join us this week to discover how ordinary people became extraordinary in His hands. Elizabeth reminds us: God sees us—and our value is found in His eyes.Video available at: https://youtu.be/eAJbsP1h3eU Message by Trent Jenkins & Allison Vandewarker.

On today's program, a Texas court is considering sanctions against the South Texas Assemblies of God for refusing to provide documents in a case related to its Chi Alpha college ministry. The denomination has been accused of allowing a convicted sexual predator to continue serving with college students. We'll have details. Plus, anti-trafficking group Unlikely Heroes has been accused of misusing a $100-thousand grant—the private foundation who issued the grant has just acquired the ministry's assets after Unlikely Heroes filed for bankruptcy. We'll take a look. And, anti-gambling groups led by church leaders succeeds in blocking a casino from opening in its Arkansas community. It accomplished that by partnering with another nearby casino who was motivated by a desire to limit competition. But first, Charlie Kirk died after being shot at a Utah college event.  The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Makella Knowles, Tony Mator, Stacey Horton, and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 3:12-23 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He gathered to himself the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and went and defeated Israel. And they took possession of the city of palms. And the people of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit in length, and he bound it on his right thigh under his clothes. And he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. And when Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the people who carried the tribute. But he himself turned back at the idols near Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he commanded, “Silence.” And all his attendants went out from his presence. And Ehud came to him as he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat. And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out. Then Ehud went out into the porch and closed the doors of the roof chamber behind him and locked them. — Judges 3:12-23 Why would God choose a left-handed man with a hidden dagger to deliver his people? Israel fell again, this time under the heavy hand of King Eglon of Moab. Eighteen years of oppression. And then, once more, the cry for help. God's answer? Ehud—a left-handed man. In a tribe where warriors were expected to be right-handed, Ehud was an outsider. But that “weakness” became his advantage. Guards didn't suspect the dagger strapped to his right thigh. In the palace, standing before the bloated king, Ehud struck—and Israel's deliverance began. This story feels raw, almost shocking. But it's here to remind us: God doesn't save the way we expect. He uses unlikely people, in unlikely ways, to accomplish his purposes. Maybe you feel like Ehud—overlooked, underestimated, maybe even carrying what others see as a weakness. But with God, that very thing can become your weapon for his glory. God's not looking for polished people with perfect resumes. He's looking for willing hearts. He loves to flip weakness into strength, using the very things others count out to bring about victory. Stop disqualifying yourself. If God can use Ehud's left hand, he can use your story. ASK THIS: What's one area of my life where I feel disqualified or overlooked? How might God want to use that “weakness” as a strength? Do I believe God can deliver in ways I don't expect? Where do I need to step out in bold, Ehud-like faith this week? DO THIS: Write down one personal “weakness” you usually hide. Then ask God how he might want to use it for his glory. Take one step to offer it back to him today. PRAY THIS: Father, use what I see as weakness to show your strength. Help me trust that you can work through the parts of me I least expect. Amen. PLAY THIS: "God of the Impossible."

9-8 Papa & Silver with J.D. Hour 4: Victory Monday means Audio Recap. Plus, one likely and one very unlikely hero who won the game for SF.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.