Job 14:7-9  ‘For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.’

DAILY READING – Revelation 4; Nehemiah 5:1-7:4; Psalm 99

In 1994, George Foreman, former heavy weight boxing champion, astounded the world when he made a comeback to win the boxing title. At age 44 he became the oldest boxer in history to win that title, but for George, the journey to that point had been a walk of faith, trusting God all the way.

Seventeen years to that time, precisely in 1977, George had an encounter with God that turned his life around. He had been a world heavy weight champion, winning most of his fights, but in 1977, after losing a fight to an opponent, he had a near death experience in which he encountered God. Later he shocked the boxing community by announcing his retirement from boxing. Many people thought he was crazy, but George became a Christian and later went into full time preaching. For 10 years he worked as a Church evangelist, then at the age of 38, despite being considered too old for the game, he decided to go back to boxing. He started his comeback by having routine fights against less established boxers. Though initially losing some fights, he was undeterred. By age 44, he entered the ring again and this time he won by a technical knockout and finally reclaimed the heavyweight title. He made history as the oldest person to win the boxing title. He also became one of the highest-paid and most recognized celebrity endorsed in the world. All because he trusted God for a comeback.

Comebacks may not be easy, but it is when the going gets tough, that the tough get going. Comebacks are the preserve of champions, they are the markings of the truly great.  Moses had come to a point in his life where he was bereft of the will to even consider starting over. After having been an affluent prince of Egypt, he was now keeping sheep in Midian. At 80 years of age, when God asked him to make the comeback to Egypt, Moses understandably was quite reluctant. He put up all kinds of excuses; however God who knows the end from the beginning, knew the latter end of Moses would greatly outshine his beginning. Eventually, when Moses obeyed God’s call and made the comeback to Egypt, his latter years indeed became the crowning glory of his life.

When God is in your corner, nothing can be a barrier to a triumphant comeback, not even age! With God all things are possible. The Bible says God has used the base things of this life to confound the wise. He will use the weak to confound the strong, He will use the poor to confound the rich. The times when men think it’s over, is when God likes to take over and make a show of your life. He likes to overturn men’s expectations so that they will know there is God in Heaven who rules in the affairs of men. Indeed, as the Bible says in Job 14, it doesn’t matter how old the stump of a tree gets in the ground, through the scent of water it will bud again. It doesn’t matter how late in the day it may seem, it is never too late for God to turn things around for you. Even though your mates may have gotten ahead, God is the God of divine speed. He can change your story in one day, just like He did for Joseph, taking him from the prison to the palace overnight! Likewise, God can give you grace for a speedy accomplishment. It is never too late. God can still turn around your story and crown you with His glory.

PRAYER: Father please  strengthen my heart through your Word, so that no matter how far I may have gone in the wrong direction, I will always be able to turn around and make a glorious comeback in Jesus’ name.

QUOTE :

When God places His hand upon a man in life nothing can come against him, this is because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.