Please Be Patient – God’s Number One Pick

Kevin Burrell on April 15, 2026

 

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago.

1 Peter 1:2

 

GOD’S NUMBER ONE PICK

As the Major League Baseball draft approaches in July 2026, scouting departments, analytics teams, and front offices across the country are deep in preparation. MLB scouts will have spent countless hours on the road, watching games in cold weather, hot sun, and bright lights. As the draft approaches, scouts and executives will gather in war rooms across the country, debating, evaluating, and refining their draft boards. Every decision matters because one pick can impact the future of an organization.

These teams aren’t simply guessing; they’re choosing—intentionally, carefully, and purposefully. They’re not just looking for talent; they’re looking for the right fit—the player who has the right talent, character, competitiveness, and makeup. The player who will grow, develop, and one day help bring a World Series championship to their organization. And when draft day finally arrives, names are called because a scout saw something special in a player long before anyone else noticed.

In a similar way, Scripture reminds us that, as believers, God’s choice of us was never rushed, never uncertain, and never accidental.

“God the Father knew you before the foundation of the world and chose you long ago.”

Let that sink in.

Before you were ever born. Before you ever proved yourself. Before you ever succeeded or failed. Before anyone else formed an opinion about you… God had already made His decision.

While scouts evaluate based on talent, skill set, and performance, God chose you based on His unconditional love. While teams hope their pick will develop into something great, God chose you knowing exactly who you are and who you are becoming. There is no uncertainty in His selection—no second-guessing, no regret.

• You are not a last-minute pick.
• You are not overlooked.
• You are not a backup plan.

You are God’s No. 1 pick—whether you believe it or fully understand it.

And even more incredible—His decision wasn’t made after watching your “clips” or “highlights.” It was made before the foundation of the world. Before time began, He saw you, wanted you, put His hand on you, and called you His own (Jeremiah 1:5).

He said, “You are Mine!”

Listen closely: when you feel like you’re striving to prove your self-worth, remember—the decision about you has already been made. When you feel overlooked or forgotten, remember—you’ve already been chosen. When life feels uncertain, remember—your future is secure in the hands of the One who picked you with purpose.

Today, rest in this truth:

You don’t have to earn your place. You’ve already been picked, chosen, set apart, and are greatly loved by God the Father.

Because the God who chose you will be faithful to complete the work He started in you.

That is the amazing love of God.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 45 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: Nourishment

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on April 15, 2026

 

6 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Luke 6:1-11 (NLT)


NOURISHMENT

 

In order for the human body to function and grow properly, it must consume six essential nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. I am not sure about you, but for me, coffee is rather essential as well.

There are a variety of things these nutrients provide. Carbohydrates are a key source of energy, proteins help with muscle repair, and fats are for energy storage. Coffee, of course, is for sanity. Our bodies are incredible creations, finely tuned to support our daily function and needs, as long as we receive the right nutrients along the way.

So, when the disciples were hungry, Jesus simply allowed them to eat. In Luke, it is recorded that they “plucked and ate some of the heads of grain” as they were walking through grainfields (Luke 6:1). When challenged for condoning this “work” on the Sabbath, Jesus reminded the Pharisees of David, who once ate the “bread of the Presence” in the temple while running for his life from King Saul.

The story, recorded in 1 Samuel 21, details how David was fleeing from Saul and sought refuge in the temple. Hungry, he claimed to be on a secret mission at the king’s behest and asked the priest to provide bread for him. The only bread available, the bread of the Presence, was consecrated and forbidden by Levitical law to be eaten by anyone except the priests (Leviticus 24:9).

At David’s request, the priest Ahimelech willingly provided him with the bread. Before he left, David noticed the king’s men in the town and asked if there was a weapon available to protect himself. In what is my favorite part of this story, the priest simply said, “The only weapon we have is the sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed” (1 Samuel 21:9).

David was hungry, so he was fed. David needed protection, so the Lord provided—in a serendipitous way. The rule was that the bread of the Presence was for the priests, yet this rule was set aside to care for God’s chosen. And the sword, which was only available because of David’s obedient courage when he slew Goliath, became his means of protection.

This story would have been very familiar to the Pharisees, which is why Jesus was quick to remind them of it. They did not truly care that the disciples were eating grain; they cared that Jesus challenged their rules and their way of living, and they wanted Him gone. This was simply another instance of their eagerness to remove Him from their midst.

We very much live in a world filled with people who want to remove Jesus from their midst as well. We see it in conflicts, wars, political gridlock, and even in the smaller, personal heartbreaks that ripple through our days.

In spite of whatever challenges you may face today, it is important to remember that, as believers, God will provide for us just as He did for David. Our true nourishment, our bread, our sword—it is Jesus.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Mercy Over Ritual

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on April 14, 2026

 

6 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Luke 6:1-11 (NLT)


MERCY OVER RITUAL

 

If you spend time in Scripture, you will no doubt find plenty of instruction and guidance for holy living. We are not often eager for correction, but the Bible abounds with examples of God’s people being corrected and reoriented onto the right course.

By the time Jesus arrived on earth, it was not to reaffirm all the ways the Jewish people had gotten God’s Word right, but rather to course-correct and adjust their focus. In this week’s reading, we see Him healing on the Sabbath to the direct scorn of His Pharisaic observers.

The Pharisees, as we learn, had so ritualized their faith that they had lost sight of what truly mattered. It was more important to them that the people under their care follow their rules and ordinances because, in their eyes, that was the holy way to live.

When referring to this “heavy labor of legalism,” Pastor Charles Spurgeon said, “The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.”

The real danger, in other words, is the line of thinking that some part of salvation can come from within. Jesus said, “For I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). We cannot save ourselves; we must rely on and trust in Jesus.

In the passage from Luke this week, we see the disciples eating grain kernels and Jesus performing a healing miracle, both on the Sabbath. These are acts of mercy provided by God to His people—one in the form of sustenance and the other in the form of restoration.

The outrage that followed from the Pharisees was legal in nature, but what Jesus said in response was simple: “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” In other words, He was saying, “I am in charge, not you, and I choose mercy over your ritualistic rules.”

The need for supplementary processes and procedures had so blinded the religious leaders that they lost sight of God’s heart altogether. Everything He had given them up to that point flowed from His merciful love for His people, yet they did not understand.

We were encouraged on Sunday to “let our understanding slow our criticism.” This understanding of God’s mercy was lost on the Pharisees, but let it not be lost on us. God will always provide for His people—even on the Sabbath.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Legalism

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on April 13, 2026

 

6 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Luke 6:1-11 (NLT)


LEGALISM

 

When Jesus allowed His disciples to eat grain and when He performed a healing miracle on the Sabbath, Luke records that the Pharisees were “filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:11).

They were furious over the fact that Jesus, whom they already disliked, was breaking their rules. Over centuries, God had delivered His commands and laws to the Jewish people through the words and writings of prophets, providing instruction and correction to guide His people toward a holy way of living.

The Pharisees were a group of religious zealots who had taken that law and added hundreds of additional requirements to prevent even an accidental violation. These included oral traditions, rituals, and rules concerning handwashing, dietary restrictions, tithing, strict Sabbath observance, and more.

When Jesus arrived and did not affirm the rules they had created, it infuriated them. Filled with self-righteous arrogance, they made the grave mistake of thinking they had the authority to add to God’s law. They had become overly legalistic, missing the point of God’s instructions entirely.

This reminds me of moments in parenting. My 10-year-old was blessed with the ability to incite utter and unconscionable insanity from his parents. For example, he has a knack for starting a fight with his little brother in the back seat, prompting a comment like, “All right, not another sound back there!” from his dad.

Then, after a brief period of silence, I glance in the rearview mirror and notice his face turning red, almost purple. With concern, I look back at him, and he says with a strained grunt, “You said not a sound, so I wasn’t breathing.”

The exasperation I feel in those moments, because of his overly literal—and arguably antagonistic—interpretation of my instructions, is something any parent can understand. I can only imagine how Jesus felt at the suggestion that He was not properly observing Sabbath regulations.

When I give instructions to my kids, it comes from a place of love. It doesn’t make sense to create an endless list of rules to address every minor infraction throughout the day. Instead, it makes more sense to help them understand what acceptable behavior looks like and to use discernment to make wise decisions.

The Pharisaic additions to the law ultimately reflect a lack of trust. They did not believe the law, as given, was sufficient. Their misinterpretation, even if well-intended, became the foundation of a sinful disdain that ultimately led to Jesus being put on the cross.

So today, remember that His Word is sufficient for us. We don’t need to be legalistic, overly literal, or add to the instruction He has given. We simply need to trust Jesus.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper – My Sin Could Not Keep Him There

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 10, 2026

 

“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.”

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

 

MY SIN COULD NOT KEEP HIM THERE

It wasn’t just Rome. It wasn’t just religion. It wasn’t just death. Even my sin could not keep Jesus in the grave.

The Bible tells us exactly what happened to our sin at the cross. Colossians 2:13–14 (NLT) says that God “canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” And in Romans 8:1 (NLT), we are reminded, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” The resurrection proves that the payment was accepted and the debt is fully paid.

Jesus didn’t rise in spite of sin. He rose having defeated it. Every sin was paid for. Every failure was covered. Every wrong was answered at the cross. The resurrection declares that sin does not get the final word. Grace does. Forgiveness does. New life does.

There is a story told about a courtroom where a guilty man stood before the judge with overwhelming evidence against him. The verdict was clear: guilty. But before the sentence was given, the judge stepped down, removed his robe, and took the place of the man. He paid the full penalty himself. Then he returned to the bench and declared the man free. That is what Jesus did. He didn’t ignore your sin; He paid for it. And His resurrection proves the payment was accepted.

What guilt or shame are you still carrying? What would it look like to truly believe that Jesus has already paid for it?

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – Death Could Not Contain Him

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 9, 2026

 

“God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.”

Acts 2:24 (NLT)

 

DEATH COULD NOT CONTAIN HIM

When Jesus arrived on the scene in Jerusalem during Holy Week, death had a grip on humanity. It held every life, every story, and every future. But when Jesus rose on Easter Sunday, that grip was broken.

The Bible makes clear that death was never meant to have the final word. In Romans 6:9 (NLT), we read, “Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.” And because we belong to Him, that same victory applies to us. First Thessalonians 4:14 (NLT) says, “Since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.”

The resurrection wasn’t just Jesus escaping death. It was Jesus conquering death. He didn’t just survive it; He overwhelmingly and convincingly defeated it. Because of this, death is no longer the end for those who belong to Him. It no longer has the final word.

A beekeeper was walking with his young son when a bee began buzzing around the child, who was allergic and terrified. The father quickly reached out, caught the bee, and let it sting him. Then he released it. The boy panicked as the bee flew again, but the father said, “Don’t worry. It can’t hurt you anymore. It already used its stinger on me.” That is what Jesus did with death. He took the sting so it no longer has power over us.

How does knowing that death has been defeated change the way you view fear, loss, or the future?

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Please Be Patient – Guard Your Name

Kevin Burrell on April 8, 2026

 

A good name; earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity is more desirable than great riches; and being held in high esteem is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:1

 

GUARD YOUR NAME

A high school football coach was famously known for winning games, but what people remembered most about him was how he won.

With the region championship game on the line, the referee missed a call that clearly favored the coach’s team. The opposing team began to protest; however, before it could escalate, the head coach walked over and quietly told the official the truth, “The call should be reversed.”

The crowd groaned, assistant coaches stared in disbelief, and the players looked stunned and confused. With an overtime field goal, the region championship was lost by one point. In the locker room, silence hung heavy as the loss settled in.

Decades later, old teammates gathered for the funeral of their once head football coach. No one mentioned the championship that slipped away. Instead, player after player spoke about the moment that defined their coach. They shared that integrity mattered more than trophies, and a man’s name was worth more than the final score. The truth is that the coach never regretted his decision. Why? Because he understood that a “good name” is earned, guarded with honor, and can shape the lives of athletes long after the final whistle blows.

In a world that constantly measures success by wealth, power, position, and visibility, God gently but firmly redirects our focus. Proverbs 22:1 reminds us that “our name” is of far greater value than anything we own. A good name is not built overnight, nor is it sustained by appearance alone. It is formed and preserved through a life that is consistently shaped by godly character, conduct, and integrity.

Proverbs 22:1 highlights four essential pillars that uphold a good name. Don’t miss these:

1. Honorable Behavior

Honorable behavior is how our faith shows up in everyday life. It’s choosing honesty when dishonesty would be easier, fairness when cutting corners would benefit us, and doing the right thing when no one is watching. Honor is not about perfection, but it is about consistency. People learn to trust our name when our actions align with our convictions, and our convictions align with our words.

2. Godly Wisdom

A good name is rooted in wise choices, and true wisdom begins with a holy reverence for God. Godly wisdom helps us discern not just what we can do, but what we must do. It shapes our responses, tempers our speech, and guides our decisions. Seek God’s wisdom rather than relying solely on your own understanding.

3. Moral Courage

Keeping a good name requires courage, and a lot of it. Moral courage is the strength to stand firm in doing what is right, even when it’s costly or unpopular. It is saying no when compromise is expected and standing for truth when silence would be safer. A good name is not built by blending in, but by faithfully living out convictions rooted in God’s truth. Moral courage declares that our loyalty is first to God, not to comfort or the approval of others.

4. Personal Integrity

Integrity is the foundation that holds everything together. It is being the same person in private as you are in public. Integrity protects a good name because it leaves no room for hypocrisy. While riches can be lost and status can fade, integrity endures. It creates a life that can withstand scrutiny and a name that can be spoken with high esteem and confidence.

Listen closely: A good name is a gift from God, but it is also a great responsibility. It must be earned, carefully built, and diligently guarded. Riches may open doors, but a good name (your name) builds trust, honors God, and leaves a legacy that outlives material gain. Value and honor your name, because in the end, it is how you will be remembered.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 45 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper – Religion Could Not Silence Him

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 8, 2026

 

“You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping.’”

Matthew 28:13 (NLT)

 

RELIGION COULD NOT SILENCE HIM

When the guards reported what happened, the religious leaders didn’t investigate. They didn’t seek truth. They paid for silence. They bribed the soldiers to spread a lie. Why? Because the truth was too powerful. It threatened their control, their influence, and their authority.

Before the resurrection, Jesus had already said in John 3:19–20 (NLT), “The light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.” Truth exposes, and not everyone wants exposure. Yet truth cannot be permanently suppressed. Jesus also said in John 14:6 (NLT), “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Truth is not just a concept. Truth is a person.

They tried to bury the truth, but truth cannot be buried. This still happens today. People try to explain away Jesus, ignore Him, or distort the truth. But the reality remains. Jesus is the Son of God. And He is alive today!

A teacher once wrote the word “truth” on the blackboard and asked the class to erase it. Students came up one by one and wiped it away. Then the teacher turned off the lights and shined a flashlight on the board. The word faintly reappeared through the residue. The teacher said, “You can try to erase truth, but it always finds a way to be seen again.” That is the resurrection. People can deny it, but they cannot erase it.

Where have you seen the truth about Jesus challenged by others? How can you stand confidently in what you know is true about Jesus?

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – Rome Could Not Stop Him

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 7, 2026

 

“An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.”

Matthew 28:2 (NLT)

 

ROME COULD NOT STOP HIM

Rome was the most powerful empire in the world. They knew how to secure a tomb. They placed a stone in the opening, a seal threatening death for anyone who broke it, and soldiers were stationed to guard it. They had authority, power, and experience. If anyone could stop the resurrection, it was Rome.

Scripture reminds us that no human authority compares to God’s authority. Psalm 2:4 (NLT) says, “But the one who rules in heaven laughs.” Earthly power may look intimidating, but it is never ultimate. In Daniel 2:21 (NLT), we are told that God “controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” Rome thought it had control over the tomb, but God had control over history.

But when God moved, none of Rome’s power mattered. The earth shook. The angel came. The stone was rolled away. The guards collapsed in fear. All of Rome’s power could not keep Jesus in the grave. This is a great reminder that no earthly power can stop the plan of God. No authority, no plan, no foe is stronger than Him.

There was a dam built to hold back an enormous body of water. Engineers designed it to be nearly indestructible. Yet over time, pressure built behind it. Eventually, a small crack formed. That crack became a break, and the water rushed through with unstoppable force. No structure could contain it. In a much greater way, the resurrection power of God could not be held back. Once He moved, nothing could contain it.

What pressures or obstacles feel overwhelming to you? How does knowing God’s power is greater than any force or obstacle give you confidence to face today?

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – The Greatest Upset of All Time

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 6, 2026

 

“He isn’t here. He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

Matthew 28:6 (NLT)

 

THE GREATEST UPSET OF ALL TIME

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a moment in history. It is the defining moment of all history. Death had never lost. Every person who had ever lived eventually experienced it. Death was undefeated—until Jesus stepped into the ring.

Scripture makes it clear that this was always God’s plan. Jesus Himself said in John 11:25 (NLT), “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” Long before Easter morning, Jesus had already declared His authority over death. In 1 Corinthians 15:55–57 (NLT), Paul later celebrates this victory by saying, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?… But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When the women came to the tomb on Easter morning, they expected to find a body. They were there to anoint His body with spices. Instead, they found a victory. The stone was moved, the tomb was empty, and the message was clear: Jesus had done exactly what He said He would do. What happened that morning was not an accident or trickery. It was not luck or legend. It was God’s plan unfolding exactly on time. The resurrection proves that nothing can stop what God has already determined to do.

In 1980, the U.S. Olympic hockey team faced the heavily favored Soviet Union. No one gave them a chance. The Soviets had dominated the sport for years. Yet, against all odds, the underdog team won in what became known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The victory shocked the world. In a far greater way, the resurrection is the ultimate upset. Death was the undefeated champion, but Jesus defeated it in a rout.

What situation in your life feels impossible or unbeatable right now? How does the resurrection remind you that God is not limited by impossible situations?

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.