Elite Athletes Encounter Godናሙና

It’s written in the book

Katja Antaniuk (Belarus)
Multiple Champion of Belarus and Olympic Games participant in Cross-Country Skiing

I’ve been in the National Team of Belarus for four years. I won multiple international competitions, and I was able to participate at the World Championships and Olympic Games in 1998 in Nagano.

Since I was ten years old, I have been a member of our Ski association, and my highest goal was to be the best in my discipline. God wasn’t a topic for me, although I did believe in His existence. We had a Bible at home, however, I had never read it. I didn’t think it was necessary, and over the years it remained on our bookshelf. 

When a team colleague told me that she believes in God, I picked up the Bible for the first time and started reading it. Somehow while I was reading, I noticed that the Bible isn’t just any book, but that it actually is God’s Word. God revealed Himself to me and His will for my life, and the history of humankind from the beginning until today. I discovered truths that I didn’t know about up until this point. I started to see the world and the people around me from a very new perspective. My interests and priorities changed. Relationships became more important - the career focus lessened. The desire to ask for God’s will and to share God with other people became larger. It is hard to describe the peace that I received during this time. With this GodI also gained a completely new hope and confidence for the future, and the strength to resist temptations. 

My wish for every athlete: Pick up this unique book, read it carefully, and then make a decision! 

Action Step

God also wants to encounter YOU. Invite the Holy Spirit to read the bible passage with you and expect that he will speak to you. Trust that God will show you the steps you should take in your own life. Ask Him for strength and courage to follow his voice.