Grace for the Misfits Among Us
At this year’s World Cup, some of the most unforgettable moments didn’t come from the superstars. They came from players whose journeys began far from stadium lights — young men who once fled war, hunger, or displacement and somehow found themselves on the world’s biggest stage. Nestory Irankunda, born in a Tanzanian refugee camp, became the youngest Australian to score at a World Cup. Mohamed Toure, once a child in a Guinean refugee camp, now carries his nation’s hopes. Alphonso Davies, born in a Liberian refugee camp, captains Canada with joy and courage -- and he serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador! Their stories remind us that gifts often emerge from unlikely places, and that grace has a way of lifting people into callings they never imagined.
And because God loves to season truth with a little humor, the tournament also gave us Merlín — the Mexican street‑vendor’s pet duck who waddled through crowds in a tiny jersey and became a viral mascot of pure joy. A reminder that sometimes the “misfits” (human or otherwise) preach the gospel without saying a word.
Romans 12:3-8 (VOICE) tells us that the Body of Christ is made of many members, each with different gifts — prophecy, teaching, encouragement, generosity, leadership, compassion. None of these gifts are ranked. None are accidental. And none are too small or too strange to matter. The refugee players (and the duck) whisper the same truth: God delights in using unexpected people and unexpected gifts to bless the world.
May we honor the gifts in one another — especially the ones that don’t fit the mold — and trust that God is still building a Body where every member belongs.
Reflection Questions
- Where have I seen God use “unexpected gifts” — in myself or in someone I once overlooked?
- How might the stories of this year's World Cup refugee players invite me to honor the courage and resilience in people whose journeys look different from mine?
- What small, joyful, even humorous gifts (like Mexico’s beloved duck) remind me that God’s grace often arrives in surprising forms?
Take a Moment to Listen
I've always loved this secular song, Brave, by Sara Bareilles because it encourages stepping into your voice and your gift — very Romans 12: “If your gift is encouragement, encourage. So, church, let's be brave for Christ and live fully into who we were created to be!
Closing Prayer
Holy God,
You gather us into one Body with many gifts, none too small, none too strange, none too late to matter. Thank You for the courage of those who rise from unlikely places and for the joy that sneaks in through unexpected messengers. Teach us to see one another with humility, to honor the gifts You’ve planted in every member, and to offer our own gifts with grace. Shape us into a community where all belong and all can serve. In Christ, who knits us together in love.
Amen.