Elite Athletes Encounter GodSample

Filled with Joy & Peace

Cindy Klassen (Canada)
6 Olympic Medals and 18 World Championship Medals in Speed Skating 

Cindy Klassen in the interview with Steve Sellers: 

What would you like people to know about you?

I’ve had lots of ups and downs in my skating career but the big thing for me is that God has always remained faithful through everything. He’s never left me, even when certain times seemed darker than others. I know that I can rely on that fact for the rest of my life. He’s always going to be there and be my rock. I can always turn to Him. No matter what I’m going through, He’s right there, reaching out to me, and I just need to look to Him for strength.

How does being a Christian help you as an athlete?

The talent I’ve been given is a gift from God. All that is required of me is to go out and do the best that I can, and do it for His glory. He’ll take care of the rest. My whole speed skating path and career are in His hands, so I can go to every single race knowing that He already knows the outcome. This allows me to relax and be at peace.

Do you have any favorite Bible verses? Perhaps a “life verse” for you, or something that gives you strength?

In the 2006 Olympics, one verse that really gave me strength was Psalms 16:8 which says, “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” 

One of my favorite singer/songwriters, Steve Bell, put that verse in a song. “Have the Lord before me. He is at my right hand and nothing can shake me.” Going into one of my races in 2006, we had found out the night before what the pairs would be, and I ended up being paired with the best 1500m skater in the history of the sport. Normally, I think that I would be a little scared, but for some reason God gave me peace and I just thought, “This is awesome. I am so excited to be paired with her!” I felt like I had done everything I could leading up to that moment and now I could just leave it in God’s hands… whatever the outcome might be. To my surprise, we won the gold medal. 

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.