God is in your corner

George Foreman is a two-time heavyweight boxing champion of the world and an Olympic gold medalist. But he was once considered an underdog. In his 2007 book, “God in My Corner,” Foreman writes:

‘When I climbed in the ring during my comeback, the announcers often introduced me as “the former heavyweight champion of the world.” As they introduced me, I’d mumble to myself, “And the next heavyweight champion of the world.” How could I ever win the title if I didn’t believe that I could? If you have a great dream you are attempting to fulfill in your life, you’ve got to believe it can happen before you can actually do it. I wasn’t trying to be proud. I simply believed what God had promised me—that I would regain the title.’ Foreman didn’t consider his circumstances, Foreman worked hard, believed and trusted God to do what he couldn’t do on his own. He stepped into the boxing ring in faith. And at 45 years old, proving age was not a barrier to people achieving their heart’s aspirations, Foreman indeed won the title. George Foreman went on to become an ordained minister, bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. When was the last time you asked and believed that God could do something seemingly impossible? Are you believing and seeing yourself realizing your goals? Or else, are you allowing past emotional wounds, an unexpected challenge, or a negative person to steal your hopes and dreams and cause you to become discouraged and give up on your future? The Bible gives us these promises:

•“All things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23). So don’t stop believing. Never quit. You have something amazing to accomplish for God.

•“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:36). Thus, do not let your fears get ahead of the facts. Move past what is holding you back, for a new beginning waits you.

•“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22). Choose to keep praying, keep hoping, and ask God to work mightily in your life. God is not finished with you yet.

•“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). God has a great blessing for you just up ahead and will provide what you need in a manner that will astonish you.

Regardless of what challenges you’ve been through or what you are facing now, God is right there with you every step of the way. In the Bible, when Peter attempted to walk on water, it was his lack of faith and belief that caused him to sink. However, when Peter stayed focused on the Lord, he was doing fine. But when he became distracted by the wind, he let his fear overpower his faith, and he began to sink into the water and then cried out. The Lord immediately reached out His hand and took hold of Peter and asked, “Why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:28-31). God is able to work all things together for good. So focus on God; don’t doubt, just lean on Him. God is fighting the battle with you. ‘And if God is for you, who can be against you?’ (Romans 8:31). Hence, you need not be afraid of where you’re going or what is to happen when you know God is right there with you. Do not allow a mistake or a sequence of setbacks to convince you that your dreams are over. Trust God for better things to come. And

continue to believe and pray bold prayers. That’s what a reader from Sri Lanka did. Recently, I received an inspiring email from a woman from the island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean. The resident of Sri Lanka, wrote, “I am writing to tell you I read your column today on God working in impossible situations. It was so encouraging, so thanks so much.”

“I am in such an impossible circumstance. Yet, God gave me a promise some years ago regarding it. I have been getting many indications from the Lord and I am following the instructions He has given in Exodus 14: “Fear not, stand still, and see the deliverance He will do for you.” So, I believe that promise. I am praying big prayers, and I’m excited that He and He alone will deliver this miracle.”