How George Foreman Overcame Adversity with Faith
By Movieguide® Contributor
Former heavyweight champion George Foreman reflected on how he has overcome adversity by relying on God.
“During my boxing career I conquered most of the challenges I faced in the ring. But the challenge of being genuinely happy was another matter,” he shared in a Guidepost article.
Foreman’s success in the ring made him famous, and even when he lost to Muhammad Ali, he received a $5 million check. However, money didn’t him the joy he desperately wanted.
“But if you think that that five million made me happy, think again. I’ve been poor with millions of dollars, and I’ve been rich when I was broke,” Foreman said. “Money never gave me any real joy, but with God in my heart I’m a rich man no matter what.”
“It’s not our circumstances that determine our happiness,” he added.
“It’s our attitude toward those circumstances. The Bible says, ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,’” Foreman stated. “Those words don’t promise that only good things will happen to you if you love God. But they do promise that if you love him, whatever happens can turn out to be in your favor.”
When Hurricane Katrina hit his hometown of Houston, Texas, Foreman realized that “no matter how good you have it in this life, it could be gone in a second.”
“A single storm can sweep through and take it all away. But if you’ve got God, you’ll be okay,” he added.
Foreman can attest that God can turn any loss into a win, sharing more about his fight with Muhammad Ali. They weren’t just opponents, they were enemies, and after the loss, Foreman only thought about how he could defeat Ali again.
However, when Foreman trained for his comeback, he fought Jimmy Young, a journeyman fighter. Foreman lost, and in that moment, Foreman realized that life without God left him empty.
“Soon after that experience, I called Muhammad and let him know what had happened to me. I told him I didn’t hate him anymore. In fact, I told him I loved him! He responded to my kindness, and a true friendship developed between us,” Foreman stated.
“It doesn’t matter what your own worst moment is. Storms of all kinds rage through our lives, and sometimes they can take everything from us,” Foreman added. “But if you have faith, your own worst moment can become your best.”
“Adversity is never far from us in this earthly life. But neither is the help we need in getting through it. If I have the Lord in my heart, I have the one thing that truly matters,” Foreman concluded.
Movieguide® previously reported on the upcoming movie about Foreman’s life:
Sony Affirm recently released the first trailer for their upcoming faith-filled movie, BIG GEORGE FOREMAN about the life and career of the world-famous boxer and Christian minister.
“Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World is based on the remarkable true story of one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances,” Sony Pictures/Affirm Films wrote of the movie.
The movie stars Khris Davis as George Foreman, while Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker plays his coach and mentor, Doc Broadus.
Over the course of his career, Foreman became one of the best boxers in history, famously winning two heavyweight titles two decades apart—in 1973 and 1994. He also became an Olympic Gold-medalist at the 1968 games held in Mexico City.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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