It’s State of Origin time, and if you’re from New South Wales, you may be desperately hoping to avoid the annual torture often inflicted by those north of the border. Queensland has a knack for upsetting the odds and proving victorious, despite regularly fielding teams that many experts consider less talented on paper. As much as it pains me to admit any similarity, God often chooses to work in much the same way. The Bible points to people like David, Moses, Joseph, and Mary as examples of unexpected individuals through whom God chose to work in extraordinary ways. The greatest example of this is Jesus — an unlikely carpenter who suffered a shameful death on a Roman cross, only to be raised from the grave. It was this news, carried by an equally unlikely group of followers, that spread throughout the world and continues to change lives today. As you settle down to watch another State of Origin and see Queensland threaten to overcome the odds, think about how God has acted in this world to overturn human expectations, and consider how what he has done might benefit you. 

Craig Langstaff Minister, St Peter’s Anglican Church (Article published in edition of ‘Heads News’. May 2026)