Take That and…..That!
Before watching the “Jesus Revolution” movie, we were entertained with the trailers of upcoming movies. After watching the trailer to the “Big George Foreman” true-story movie, I knew I wanted to see it! I bought tickets in advance and saw it on Thursday.
The movie gives an up close and personal view of a broken, intimidated, poor, hungry, and lost young boy in a very impoverished home who eventually becomes the Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World (Spoiler Alert: Two times!).
If I just left that explanation with you, there wouldn’t be much desire to see the movie. But it is so much more than that. Hard work equals rewards. Trusting God for His perfect will to be done equals more rewards. Struggles and heartbreak can be the catalyst for change.
There are many scriptures that came to my mind as I typed this “review” of the movie and George Foreman’s life. Actually, the movie could have been about me, or you and the same scriptures could be applied to our lives:
** “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, plans to give you HOPE and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
** “Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
** “What the enemy means for evil, God means it for good….”
Genesis 50:20
** “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
** “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Those scriptures apply to all our lives. The times we wondered, “Why God?” were building the foundation of our “houses” – making them stronger and stormproof. Each one of the challenges we face become our testimony and our message of God’s amazing grace.
The movie begins with George’s single mother finding a very broken down, filthy home for her young family. She has a single patty hamburger and breaks it into pieces for the children and prays: “Heavenly Father, thank You for this food. You know exactly what this family needs. The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. Amen.”
This film showcases George’s remarkable personal journey from poverty to success, from fame to failure, from despair to redemption. The first half focuses on George’s rise to the top, while the second half shows how God humbles him before giving him that shot at redemption in the ring once more.
One of my favorite scenes was when George tells Muhammad Ali that he’s found Jesus, Muhammad replies, “I didn’t know He was lost.”
The truth is most all our stories reveal difficulty at one time or another in our lives, as well as regrets. But I don’t think our stories are meant to induce woe-is-me pity parties. I think they’re meant to show the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. They show how God has redeemed us to walk in new life with Him.
Undoubtedly, we’ll still struggle in this life from time to time, but the best testimonies are those who point to the reality that God has the power to save us. It’s a truth that is so beautifully expressed in Ephesians 2:10 –“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
BTW — the real George Foreman’s boxing photos beside the movie’s George Foreman is amazing! What a story — to God be the glory! I promise you will leave the theater feeling uplifted and motivated.
You’re welcome, George! It was my joy to write this blog AND I’m so happy that I contributed to your comeback story when I bought one of your Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machines in 1994!