The Underdog Theology: Why God Loves the Small Stone
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Have you ever felt too small? Too overlooked? Too ordinary to make any real difference in this world?
If so, you're in good company. Actually, you're in God's company.
Here at Boundless Online Church, Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald often reminds us that God has a track record: a beautiful, consistent, world-shaking track record: of choosing the smallest, the weakest, and the most overlooked to accomplish His greatest victories.
Today, let's dive deep into what we call The Underdog Theology: and discover why that smooth stone in your hand might just be exactly what God needs.
The World Loves a Comeback Story
Turn on any news channel right now, and you'll find stories of people defying the odds. Athletes who weren't supposed to win. Entrepreneurs who started with nothing.
Communities rebuilding after devastation.
We're drawn to these stories because something deep inside us knows that size doesn't determine significance. Strength isn't always measured in muscle.
But here's the thing: this isn't just a feel-good cultural phenomenon. It's actually a reflection of how God has always operated.
The Valley of Elah: A Bible Study in 1 Samuel 17
Let's go back about 3,000 years to a dusty valley where two armies stood frozen in fear.
On one side: the Philistine army, led by their champion Goliath: a giant standing over nine feet tall, covered in bronze armor, carrying a spear with an iron point weighing fifteen pounds. For forty days straight, he shouted challenges across the valley, mocking Israel and their God.
On the other side: King Saul's army, including trained soldiers and seasoned warriors. Not one of them moved. Not one dared to respond.
And then a teenager showed up with some cheese and bread for his brothers.
David wasn't there to fight. He was running an errand. But when he heard Goliath's taunts, something stirred in his spirit. While everyone else calculated the odds, David calculated something different: the size of his God.
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." : 1 Samuel 17:45
No armor. No sword. Just a sling, five smooth stones, and an unshakeable faith.
One stone. One giant. One victory that changed history.
Why Does God Choose the Small?
This pattern isn't accidental. Throughout Scripture, God consistently bypasses the obvious choice to select the unlikely one:
Gideon was hiding in a winepress when God called him a "mighty warrior" and then reduced his army from 32,000 to just 300.
Moses stuttered and made excuses, yet God used him to free an entire nation.
Rahab was a prostitute who became part of Jesus' genealogy.
The disciples were fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary workers: not religious scholars.
Why? Because when the small accomplish the impossible, there's no confusion about where the power came from.
As the research tells us: "God deliberately chooses underdogs to prevent human pride. When victory comes through divine intervention rather than human capability, God gets the glory."
This isn't about God keeping us weak. It's about God showing us that His strength is the only strength that truly matters.
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." : 1 Corinthians 1:27
Jesus: The Ultimate Underdog
If you want to see Underdog Theology at its peak, look at Jesus.
Born in a feeding trough. Raised in Nazareth (a town so insignificant people asked, "Can anything good come from there?"). He chose fishermen over Pharisees. He touched lepers.
He honored women and children in a culture that dismissed them.
And His ultimate victory? It looked like complete defeat.
Beaten. Mocked. Crucified between criminals. Buried in a borrowed tomb.
Yet through that apparent failure came the greatest victory in human history: over sin, death, and separation from God.
The cross is God's permanent statement: I don't work the way the world works. My power shows up differently. And if you feel small, overlooked, or defeated: you're exactly who I'm looking for.
What This Means for You Today
Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "That's a nice story, but you don't know my situation."
You're right. I don't.
But God does.
And here's what Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald wants you to understand: Your smallness is not a disqualification. It's an invitation.
That health challenge you're facing? God sees it.
That financial pressure that keeps you up at night? God knows.
That relationship that feels beyond repair? God specializes in restoration.
That dream you've been too afraid to pursue? God might just be waiting for you to pick up
your five smooth stones.
The question isn't whether you have what it takes. The question is whether you believe God has what it takes: and whether you're willing to step into the valley with Him.
A Biblical Life-Changing Affirmation
Speak this over yourself today:
"I am not too small for God's purposes. My weakness is the canvas for His strength. Like David, I will not be intimidated by giants because the same God who guided that stone guides my life. I am chosen, equipped, and empowered for such a time as this."
Write it down. Say it out loud. Let it sink into your spirit.
Standing Together in Unity
Here's the beautiful thing about being part of a faith community: you don't have to face your giants alone.
When the church stands in unity: across backgrounds, across borders, across circumstances: something powerful happens. We remind each other of the truth when fear tries to lie to us. We hold up each other's arms when they get tired. We celebrate each other's victories and carry each other's burdens.
That's what we're building at Boundless Online Church. A place where you're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God: no matter where you are in the world or what time zone you're in.
Whether you're homebound, traveling, working the night shift, or simply haven't found a church that feels like home: you belong here.
Your Next Step
Friend, God isn't looking for giants. He's looking for faith.
He's looking for people who will pick up their small stones and trust Him with the outcome. People who refuse to let fear determine their future. People who understand that in God's economy, the last become first, the weak become strong, and the small stones bring down the biggest giants.
That person could be you. Today.
Join the loving community at: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Connect with a small group. Jump into a Bible study. Use our live chat. Call us anytime. Explore volunteer opportunities or leadership training. Whatever your next step looks like: take it.
Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald and our entire Boundless family are here for you, 24/7, ready to walk alongside you.
Because you're not too small. You're just right for what God has planned.
Never forgotten. Never alone. Deeply loved by God.
AI 24/7 Assistant: 1-901-668-5380 Boundless Phone: 1-901-213-7341 FA Memphis: 1-901-843-8600 lmcdonald@famemphis.net - www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
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