DON’T WRITE YOURSELF OFF (GEORGE FOREMAN 1949-2025)

After 10 years away from the ring, Foreman made headlines in 1987 when he announced his comeback at the age of 38. He wrote in his autobiography that his main objective was to raise funds to finance the youth center he had established, which required much of the money he had earned in the beginning of his career. Despite the assumption that his return to the ring was a mistake, Foreman asserted that he returned to demonstrate that age is not an obstacle to achieving one's goals (as he later stated, age 40 is not a 'death sentence'). Foreman earned the chance to face the undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield for the world title in a pay-per-view boxing event after a series of victories. Few boxing experts believed that the 42-year-old Foreman had a chance of winning. Foreman surprised many by staying the full 12 rounds, but lost his challenge on points with scores of 116–111, 115–112, and 117–110. In 1994, Foreman again sought to challenge for the world championship after Michael Moorer (who was 19 years younger) had beaten Holyfield for the IBF and WBA titles. Las Vegas, Nevada was where the fight took place on November 5th. Even though Foreman was a significant underdog and trailed in all scoreboards in Round 10, Foreman launched a comeback in the 10th round and landed a series of punches that ultimately knocked Moorer out. As the arena erupted in cheers, George Foreman returned to his corner and kneeled in prayer. At 45 years old, Foreman became the oldest fighter ever to win a world championship after winning this historic victory.

The scriptures say “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me” Phillipians 4:13, also nothing shall be impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Our power to achieve and become whoever we desire is given to us by God, provided we have faith and believe in Him, regardless of our age. Here is the statement of Caleb “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” Joshua 14:10-12. 

Are you feeling that you're too old to start a business or project, or pursue the qualification or certification that God has placed in your heart? Trust in God, do what's necessary, and take the first step. Remember that Colonel Harland Sanders established Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) when he was 62 years old. It's never too late to begin. Just remember that with God, nothing will be impossible (Luke 1:37). 

If you don't know Christ, how would you want Him to support you in your endeavor? It's time to acknowledge Him as your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:10, John 3:16). Allow Him to give you a new start (2 Corinthians 5:17) and empower you to become the person He has destined you to be (Jeremiah 29:11)