Overcoming The Odds With God

OVERCOMING THE ODDS WITH GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 8:31

Supporting Texts: 2 Kings 6:16, Judges 6:12-16, Psalm 18:29, Isaiah 43:2, Philippians 4:13

INTRODUCTION:

Life is often filled with challenges that seem insurmountable. Whether it is a personal battle, financial struggle, spiritual warfare, or opposition from unexpected quarters, the odds can appear overwhelming. Yet, as believers, we are reminded that we are not alone in the fight. With God on our side, we are empowered to overcome every barrier.

The Bible is filled with individuals and nations who faced impossible odds but prevailed through divine intervention. It is not the absence of battles that defines the Christian journey, but the assurance of victory in spite of them. We may be outnumbered, out-resourced, or out-skilled in the eyes of men, but with God, the equation always favours us.

To overcome the odds, we must trust in God’s promises, rely on His strength, and walk in obedience and faith. No matter the difficulty, God is greater than the opposition. What the world calls impossible becomes possible when God is involved.

1. GOD IS GREATER THAN ANY OPPOSITION

No force, no enemy, and no circumstance can prevail against the power of God in your life.

a) Divine presence neutralises fear

If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). His presence gives us boldness and assurance.

b) God fights our battles even when we feel weak

Like Gideon, who felt unqualified, God uses the weak to confound the strong (Judges 6:14).

c) Opposition is a setup for divine demonstration

When the enemy comes like a flood, the Spirit of God lifts a standard (Isaiah 59:19).

d) The odds may be against you, but God’s favour tilts the balance

His favour opens doors that man cannot shut (Revelation 3:7).

Biblical Example: Elisha and his servant were surrounded, but God’s invisible army was greater than their enemies (2 Kings 6:16-17).

2. FAITH TURNS IMPOSSIBILITIES INTO TESTIMONIES

Faith is the bridge between the natural odds and supernatural outcome.

a) Faith refuses to bow to intimidating situations

It believes God’s Word over what circumstances declare (2 Corinthians 5:7).

b) Faith invites divine intervention into human limitations

The woman with the issue of blood broke cultural odds by her faith (Mark 5:25-34).

c) Faith sees victory even before it manifests

Joshua and Caleb saw the promised land as accessible despite giants (Numbers 13:30).

d) Faith overcomes the world and every odd it throws

“This is the victory that overcomes the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Biblical Example: David overcame the odds by confronting Goliath with faith, not fear (1 Samuel 17:45-50).

3. GOD USES THE UNLIKELY TO ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY

God specialises in using people who seem least qualified to fulfil His purpose.

a) Your background does not disqualify you from divine assignment

God lifted Joseph from prison to the palace (Genesis 41:39-41).

b) God chooses the weak to show His strength

Paul said, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

c) What disqualifies you before men qualifies you for grace

Man looks at the outward appearance, but God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

d) God is not looking for ability but availability

He empowers those who surrender to Him.

Biblical Example: God used Esther, a young orphan girl, to save a nation (Esther 4:14).

4. GOD TURNS SETBACKS INTO COMEBACKS

What appears as a failure or loss becomes a testimony in God’s hands.

a) Every closed door is a redirection to something better

What seemed like a delay is actually divine preparation (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

b) Trials refine us for higher assignment

Gold is purified through fire; you are strengthened through adversity (1 Peter 1:7).

c) God never wastes a battle; He turns it into a platform

Your greatest pain often becomes your greatest ministry.

d) The enemy’s plan to destroy you will become your stepping stone

What was meant for evil, God will use for your good (Genesis 50:20).

Biblical Example: Peter denied Jesus but was restored and used mightily at Pentecost (John 21:15-17, Acts 2:14-41).

5. WITH GOD, YOU ARE DESTINED TO WIN

Victory is not just a possibility—it is your inheritance in Christ.

a) You are more than a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37)

This means your victory is already secured.

b) Christ in you is your confidence and hope of glory

His presence in your life changes everything (Colossians 1:27).

c) God has never lost a battle and never will

Aligning with Him places you on the winning side.

d) Nothing can stop the fulfilment of your destiny when God is involved

His plans for you will prevail (Jeremiah 29:11).

Biblical Example: Paul faced shipwrecks, prisons, beatings—but through it all, he overcame and fulfilled his assignment (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

CONCLUSION:

No matter the odds stacked against you—be it in your family, career, ministry, or health—if God is on your side, you cannot be defeated. The challenges you face are opportunities for God's glory to be revealed in your life. Trust Him, walk with Him, and stand firm in His promises.