THIS PART OF MY LIFE IS CALLED... PROTECTING MY PURPOSE
Micah Smith
Today's Scripture: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10, NIV
Theme: Don't let others' limitations define your calling—protect the purpose God has placed within you.
THE OLDEST HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION IN HISTORY
George Foreman should have been done. At 38, after ten years away from boxing and a religious awakening that led him to become an ordained minister, most people thought his fighting days were behind him. When he announced his comeback, critics rolled their eyes. When he said he wanted to become a heavyweight champion again, they laughed. The boxing world had moved on—faster, younger fighters dominated the landscape.
But Foreman had something the doubters didn't understand: an unshakeable belief in his purpose. He famously declared, "The age of 40 is not a death sentence," refusing to let others' timelines become his limitations. Seven years into his comeback, at 45 years old, Foreman knocked out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history. He didn't just prove the critics wrong—he redefined what was possible.
What made Foreman's comeback so remarkable wasn't just his physical achievement. It was his mental game. He protected his purpose from the voices that said, "Too old," "Too slow," "Too late." He understood that God's plans aren't limited by human expectations or societal timelines.
PROTECTING PURPOSE IN THE PLAYROOM AND THE RING
In The Pursuit of Happyness, there's a heartbreaking scene where Chris Gardner plays basketball with his son. His boy says he wants to be in the NBA someday, and Chris—beaten down by life's disappointments—tells his son that this probably won't happen, that he should focus on other things. His son's face falls, and he kicks the ball away. Chris immediately realizes his mistake and calls his son back, saying, "Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't do something... If you got a dream, you gotta protect it."
How often do we do this to ourselves? How often do we let someone else's failed dreams, their "realistic" expectations, or their fear-based advice drown out what God has placed in our hearts? The enemy doesn't always come with obvious attacks. Sometimes he whispers through well-meaning voices, saying, "Be practical," "That ship has sailed," or "People like us don't do things like that."
Make it Personal: What purpose or calling have you been protecting lately? Are there voices in your life—maybe even your own inner voice—telling you it's too late, you're too old, or you're not qualified enough? Remember: God's calling doesn't come with expiration dates. What would change if you approached your dreams with George Foreman-level determination, protecting your purpose from the limitations others want to place on it?
Pray: Father, thank You for the unique purpose You've placed within me. Help me protect that calling from the voices—external and internal—that want to convince me it's too late or I'm not enough. Give me the courage to pursue what You've placed in my heart, regardless of what others think is possible or practical. Remind me that Your plans for me are good, and Your timing is perfect. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Read: Romans 8:1-11
Weekly Memory Verse: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, ESV