What do you think?
Rate this book
God of the Underdogs: When the Odds Are Against You, God Is For You
Matt Keller shows every underdog that God chose people just like them to do his work and change the world. Have you ever felt like an underdog? Like you don't have the ability or confidence to pursue your dreams? The Bible is full of ordinary people the world considered underdogs. Yet God chose them to do his work. In God of the Underdogs, pastor Matt Keller tells his own story of being an underdog as well as the stories of the underdog heroes in Scripture. Men and women like Moses, Esther, King David, Samuel, Joseph, Paul the Apostle, and even Jesus. The stories and scriptures you'll read will inspire you to face down the excuses holding you back, and you will be free to pursue your destiny as never before! Maybe you're thinking, My past is too dark. "But it's your past," Matt assures you. God of the Underdogs will show you that the Creator of the universe wants you to accomplish great things for him. He wants to use your life in a way he will use no one else's. Don't shrink back from your destiny; lean into it. The Bible says you are a friend of God. Beloved. Highly esteemed. Known. More than a conqueror. God sees your potential. It is your inability, not your perfection, that makes you an underdog worth using in God's eyes. So rise up, underdog! God has a special plan for your life.
Audio CD
First published September 3, 2013
30 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 7, 2014
God of the Underdogs is written by Matt Keller, the founding pastor of Next Level Church in Ft. Myers FL.
The book examines numerous people (underdogs) in scripture and how God was for them and with them, like He is today with you and I (also underdogs). The Biblical examples include: David, Paul, Jacob, John the Baptist, Jesus, Mephibosheth, Gideon, Esther, and Moses.
The book is a very quick and easy read, and I think it would especially be an encouragement to new or younger Christians. The biblical stories are often retold with a modern day spin (i.e. “Samuel…was probably wearing pajama pants around the house and eating chips on the couch” p. 10). This kind of retelling or commentary on scripture in preaching and writing I don’t really connect well with so much, but some might.
The two chapters I especially enjoyed were on Jacob and Moses. The insight on how God changed the label on Jacob was inspiring and a great reminder that our identity is in Christ alone. Keller’s insights on where our credibility comes from, concerning Moses, was also excellent. “God told Moses his credibility had nothing to do with his capability, it had everything to do with God’s ability” (p. 161).
Another great quote from the book, this time from the chapter on Paul, was: “Paul’s pain and past became his platform…Paul’s past positioned him to be used by God in the future” (p. 34).
Throughout the book Keller tells pieces of his story as the founder/planter of his church, which I found very interesting. I would have enjoyed reading even more about that journey.
Overall I appreciate the heart of the book and I do think it would be a great resource for younger Christians for both individual reading and a small group discussion.
www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
@jonstephensNY
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The book examines numerous people (underdogs) in scripture and how God was for them and with them, like He is today with you and I (also underdogs). The Biblical examples include: David, Paul, Jacob, John the Baptist, Jesus, Mephibosheth, Gideon, Esther, and Moses.
The book is a very quick and easy read, and I think it would especially be an encouragement to new or younger Christians. The biblical stories are often retold with a modern day spin (i.e. “Samuel…was probably wearing pajama pants around the house and eating chips on the couch” p. 10). This kind of retelling or commentary on scripture in preaching and writing I don’t really connect well with so much, but some might.
The two chapters I especially enjoyed were on Jacob and Moses. The insight on how God changed the label on Jacob was inspiring and a great reminder that our identity is in Christ alone. Keller’s insights on where our credibility comes from, concerning Moses, was also excellent. “God told Moses his credibility had nothing to do with his capability, it had everything to do with God’s ability” (p. 161).
Another great quote from the book, this time from the chapter on Paul, was: “Paul’s pain and past became his platform…Paul’s past positioned him to be used by God in the future” (p. 34).
Throughout the book Keller tells pieces of his story as the founder/planter of his church, which I found very interesting. I would have enjoyed reading even more about that journey.
Overall I appreciate the heart of the book and I do think it would be a great resource for younger Christians for both individual reading and a small group discussion.
www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
@jonstephensNY
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 4, 2013
I don’t know about you, but I can say about myself there were many times when I felt like saying, “I want to do something meaningful, but who am I to do it?”
As a girl, as a youngest member of the Church board, as a youngest family member, as a job seeker… “I am just me. I lack qualifications for that kind of job. There are people who are smarter and wiser and more qualified than I am for this kind of job.”
In the book God of the Underdogs, Matt Keller explores nine excuses that people utilize to basically say “I don’t want / am afraid to do it because…”
Taking well-known Bible heroes, the author explores the odds against them, how they overcame their fears and worries, and how they became those whom we know – heroes. All of them were underdogs, even Jesus. This lesson is something I enjoy sharing with kids at the camps or elsewhere when they might say “The other team is stronger.”
One of the other things I have enjoyed about this book is that pastor Matt shares his own personal story about how he and his wife went on a journey to plant a church and all the trials they went through: not knowing anyone, being a young family, having no support from elders… Yet, as they faithfully trudged forward, God gave them a vision how to help other ministry leaders who are in the same position.
The book is based on Bible stories, and the way they are retold helps to see the well-known personalities from a slightly different angle. It is a great book, in my opinion, and I would highly recommend it to everyone – especially those who feel like they are stuck in a rut spiritually-wise (and not just spiritually).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
As a girl, as a youngest member of the Church board, as a youngest family member, as a job seeker… “I am just me. I lack qualifications for that kind of job. There are people who are smarter and wiser and more qualified than I am for this kind of job.”
In the book God of the Underdogs, Matt Keller explores nine excuses that people utilize to basically say “I don’t want / am afraid to do it because…”
Taking well-known Bible heroes, the author explores the odds against them, how they overcame their fears and worries, and how they became those whom we know – heroes. All of them were underdogs, even Jesus. This lesson is something I enjoy sharing with kids at the camps or elsewhere when they might say “The other team is stronger.”
One of the other things I have enjoyed about this book is that pastor Matt shares his own personal story about how he and his wife went on a journey to plant a church and all the trials they went through: not knowing anyone, being a young family, having no support from elders… Yet, as they faithfully trudged forward, God gave them a vision how to help other ministry leaders who are in the same position.
The book is based on Bible stories, and the way they are retold helps to see the well-known personalities from a slightly different angle. It is a great book, in my opinion, and I would highly recommend it to everyone – especially those who feel like they are stuck in a rut spiritually-wise (and not just spiritually).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 21, 2013
Great book. We are all underdogs to some degree or another. But the great thing is that God uses us underdogs to do great things for His kingdom.
November 14, 2013
Great stuff. I know Matt personally and can speak to the fact that his story is truly an Underdog story and that his perspective carries significant weight here.
October 22, 2014
God searches out for the underdogs and can use you in the most miraculous ways!
December 14, 2017
1.5 Stars
Overall, a disappointing read.
The book starts out promising and I actually found it pretty funny in the first chapter. It's entirely possible that this book just isn't for me. I found myself having trouble considering myself an underdog pretty early on in the book. Perhaps I don't dream big enough, but I don't often feel unqualified in a way that allows me to relate to the examples in the book. There's very few examples in my life of being told I'm not good enough to do something. My own procrastination and ADD is a far bigger deterrent to following my dreams than anyone else is.
By the end of chapter two, I was over the humor. It wore on me quite quickly, becoming corny and forced; at times I could almost hear the drum hits (ba dum tiss). It also became clear during this chapter that we were in for a super repetitive and redundant book. The repetition isn't necessarily saying the same thing over and over again (although he does tend to do that, as well), it's more of a clear pattern with each excuse. It goes like this: "Excuse X: Everyone deals with this, but God is for you!" This repeats in each chapter, along with his habit of "here is my point.....let me say that again because you need to understand it....here is my point in a different font and separated from the text above." His constant use of the word "underdog" is also grating at times. I get it. It's the title, but let's try to keep the usage under a 1/3 of the words in the book.
The strongest part of the book may have been the last few paragraphs. Ideally, these should have been moved to the beginning of the book. The bonus content section of the book was also pretty good and probably should have been included in the book proper, rather than as an add on. And seeing as how it has a salvation prayer in it, it’s disappointing that he tells people to stop reading if they feel the previous 9 chapters gave them what they needed. I get that it’s a book geared towards Christians and that it’s about being an underdog and overcoming that through a reliance on God, but what is more important than salvation? My mother in law always complained that our church didn’t give a call to salvation after every service, but that’s how I feel about this. You’re leaving the most important aspect of Christianity as an optional chapter? That's not fair to those who skip it.
In the end, the basic premise is listed right on the front cover: "When the odds are against you, God is for you." Do I think that's true? Absolutely! But I don't think it's that simple and Keller doesn't do a good enough job of highlighting the work a person needs to put in in order for things to work out. He mentions in passing the work he had to put in to get his church off the ground and the obstacles he had in his way, but these are glossed over in favor of examples from the bible. I think he could have cut a lot of the repetition and focused more on the work that's necessary and had a book of a similar length with more to offer. I think that this would have worked well if it were written in a style reminiscent of Donald Miller's Scary Close, which is essentially a self-help book disguised as a memoir. Keller could have written a more detailed memoir about getting his church off the ground interspersed with the same biblical examples and given us a more successful book.
Overall, a disappointing read.
The book starts out promising and I actually found it pretty funny in the first chapter. It's entirely possible that this book just isn't for me. I found myself having trouble considering myself an underdog pretty early on in the book. Perhaps I don't dream big enough, but I don't often feel unqualified in a way that allows me to relate to the examples in the book. There's very few examples in my life of being told I'm not good enough to do something. My own procrastination and ADD is a far bigger deterrent to following my dreams than anyone else is.
By the end of chapter two, I was over the humor. It wore on me quite quickly, becoming corny and forced; at times I could almost hear the drum hits (ba dum tiss). It also became clear during this chapter that we were in for a super repetitive and redundant book. The repetition isn't necessarily saying the same thing over and over again (although he does tend to do that, as well), it's more of a clear pattern with each excuse. It goes like this: "Excuse X: Everyone deals with this, but God is for you!" This repeats in each chapter, along with his habit of "here is my point.....let me say that again because you need to understand it....here is my point in a different font and separated from the text above." His constant use of the word "underdog" is also grating at times. I get it. It's the title, but let's try to keep the usage under a 1/3 of the words in the book.
The strongest part of the book may have been the last few paragraphs. Ideally, these should have been moved to the beginning of the book. The bonus content section of the book was also pretty good and probably should have been included in the book proper, rather than as an add on. And seeing as how it has a salvation prayer in it, it’s disappointing that he tells people to stop reading if they feel the previous 9 chapters gave them what they needed. I get that it’s a book geared towards Christians and that it’s about being an underdog and overcoming that through a reliance on God, but what is more important than salvation? My mother in law always complained that our church didn’t give a call to salvation after every service, but that’s how I feel about this. You’re leaving the most important aspect of Christianity as an optional chapter? That's not fair to those who skip it.
In the end, the basic premise is listed right on the front cover: "When the odds are against you, God is for you." Do I think that's true? Absolutely! But I don't think it's that simple and Keller doesn't do a good enough job of highlighting the work a person needs to put in in order for things to work out. He mentions in passing the work he had to put in to get his church off the ground and the obstacles he had in his way, but these are glossed over in favor of examples from the bible. I think he could have cut a lot of the repetition and focused more on the work that's necessary and had a book of a similar length with more to offer. I think that this would have worked well if it were written in a style reminiscent of Donald Miller's Scary Close, which is essentially a self-help book disguised as a memoir. Keller could have written a more detailed memoir about getting his church off the ground interspersed with the same biblical examples and given us a more successful book.
May 23, 2022
Great book to address the specific aspects of our lives that we may view as an obstacle to living a life of courageous faith. Whether you feel like you are not qualified enough, your past is too shady, no one recognizes the abilities you have, you don't have political connections, you're too insecure, or not financially successful enough to make a difference, this book speaks to all of those things and more. Using insightful examples that are practical and powerful, the author brings the light of God's word to each of our unique situations to help us see that our willingness to step out in faith is all that God requires. Once we do that, we can leave behind all the reasons that are holding us back from fulfilling His plan for each of our lives and helping others to do the same.
November 22, 2020
I actually really liked the book in the beginning. I loved the telling of several underdogs in the Bible and how they overcame their pasts to accomplish great things. I didn’t connect with the author/pastor’s attempt to make things modern/humorous. I also thought the book was a little repetitive and more geared towards newer Christians or people newer in their faith. Decent book with good points but not very deep.
September 7, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. It seamlessly weaves in and out of scripture and anecdote to really paint a relevant picture on how God used biblical “Underdogs” and how it impacts our walk with Christ today. Even when sharing anecdotes Matt Keller continually pointed it back to scripture further emphasizing Gods power over his life rather than his own.
December 28, 2023
This is a good read and a great reminder of how God works.
It is not great literature.
And I would assume the book is based on a series of sermons. But for Christians, the stories here are great reminders.
It is not great literature.
And I would assume the book is based on a series of sermons. But for Christians, the stories here are great reminders.
June 17, 2017
Good choice of stories, quick read, inspiring for discouraging times.
February 12, 2014
God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller is an inspiring book aimed at infusing you with hope and courage to change the world through the power of Christ in your life…even if you are an “Underdog”….which we all are to one extent or another!
God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller is a wonderfully encouraging book! I enjoyed the presentation and the transparency found throughout the work. The resounding message that each of us are created for a unique purpose that God has designed specifically for us, despite our challenges, is easily communicated throughout the chapters.
The book identifies nine excuses that we frequently allow to become road blocks in our lives and prevent us from accomplishing all that God has planned for us. In his gentle and transparent delivery, Matt authentically reveals some areas of struggle that he has had during his ministry and subsequent planting of the church: Next Level Church. In tandem, he highlights the lives of men and women from the Bible that were certainly Underdogs, but chose to confront their obstacles and in turn the power of God was released in a mighty way in their lives to change history.
The book took me to a level of contemplation beyond a shallow quick once over. Instead, as I read each chapter, I found myself challenged by the reasons for why we become paralyzed in our response to God. The book motivated me to dream bigger for Him!! It incited me to trust Him for more!! My favorite quote from this book is: “The more light we let in, the less darkness can stay!”
God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller needs to be on your reading list for 2014!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for this review copy of God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller through Booksneeze. This review and the opinions given within are strictly my own.
God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller is a wonderfully encouraging book! I enjoyed the presentation and the transparency found throughout the work. The resounding message that each of us are created for a unique purpose that God has designed specifically for us, despite our challenges, is easily communicated throughout the chapters.
The book identifies nine excuses that we frequently allow to become road blocks in our lives and prevent us from accomplishing all that God has planned for us. In his gentle and transparent delivery, Matt authentically reveals some areas of struggle that he has had during his ministry and subsequent planting of the church: Next Level Church. In tandem, he highlights the lives of men and women from the Bible that were certainly Underdogs, but chose to confront their obstacles and in turn the power of God was released in a mighty way in their lives to change history.
The book took me to a level of contemplation beyond a shallow quick once over. Instead, as I read each chapter, I found myself challenged by the reasons for why we become paralyzed in our response to God. The book motivated me to dream bigger for Him!! It incited me to trust Him for more!! My favorite quote from this book is: “The more light we let in, the less darkness can stay!”
God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller needs to be on your reading list for 2014!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for this review copy of God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller through Booksneeze. This review and the opinions given within are strictly my own.
July 13, 2016
I found this book to be both encouraging and convicting simultaneously. The author's primary assertion is the God in is the business of using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He uses numerous examples from people written about in the Bible as well as from his own life to illustrate how our most common excuses for why we feel inadequate are not insurmountable if we trust in God to guide & empower us. Here's one of my favorite passages from the book "God wants to use your life in spite of anything you might think disqualifies you. YOUR IMPERFECTIONS DON’T KEEP YOU FROM YOUR DESTINY; THEY ACTUALLY POSITION YOU PERFECTLY FOR IT! When God uses you in spite of you, he gets all the credit. That’s why God loves using underdogs! God has called you, the underdog, to be his man or woman to make an impact in your world. Stop making excuses. Stop thinking you don’t have the credibility, the proof, or the ability to be who God wants you to be and to do what God wants you to do.”
May 10, 2015
Pastor Matt is so personal through his writing. Immediately caught up in his story, I felt like I was sitting in a small group listening to his passion for people and the dream to fulfill the vision of Next Level Church as God birthed it into his and Sarah's hearts. He completely nails the struggle of feeling like an underdog, of fighting excuses, and of fighting the good fight of faith to accomplish this unbelievable dream. They had every reason to quit, to stop believing, and to accept mediocre - but NO. This book dares you to chant, "No More Excuses" and press on, press in, and believe in yourself. I was especially touched by chapter 3 - Jacob's struggle to let go of his scarred reputation and how he embraces a new name. I, too, have a new name.
October 25, 2014
Matt Keller had come to our church and preached the beginning of this book's message. We all scooped up a copy after his sermon. It has great message. If you need a cheerleader to cheer you on, Matt is your guy! He applies biblical principles to show God loves fulfilling His Purpose through society's underdogs. Great for Christians at any stage in their walk.
July 27, 2015
Great bible application for God's workers
The book was very good I expected a feel good type book after seeing who reviewed and did the forward to the book in that way it didn't disappoint however not theologically deep and mainly the author's story on his church plant over and over with bible big players interspersed
The book was very good I expected a feel good type book after seeing who reviewed and did the forward to the book in that way it didn't disappoint however not theologically deep and mainly the author's story on his church plant over and over with bible big players interspersed
February 11, 2015
Praise God for His Greatness
The more I learn about God the more I realize than I cannot comprehend how great His love is. We can never repay Him for the sacrifice He made for us. Even our "works" pale when compared to His acts of love. O, Lord, how excellent is they Name.
The more I learn about God the more I realize than I cannot comprehend how great His love is. We can never repay Him for the sacrifice He made for us. Even our "works" pale when compared to His acts of love. O, Lord, how excellent is they Name.
July 22, 2015
I love the way this book was written. Keller presented biblical stories & concepts in a way that is easy to understand. I am interested in reading my work by him.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews