Elite Athletes Encounter GodSample

Love never fails

Andreas Håtveit (Norway)
X-Games Winner in Slopestyle 

I have been a professional freestyle skier for about ten years, and I saw and experienced many beautiful things in the whole world. However, when I thought about God, I did what probably many other people would do too.. I made my own picture of God, the way it would fit me. I called myself a Christian but the God that I believed in only existed in my own head. That God was pleased with me and would surely bring me into heaven one day. 

That is what I thought until I read the 10 commandments. Suddenly I became aware that I wasn’t as good as I always thought I was. Should God judge me one day then I would have a real problem. His word says that I shouldn’t lie. Well I lie every now and then, which would make me a liar. God’s word says that I shouldn’t steal and that I shouldn’t take the name of the Lord in vain. Even there, I caught myself and identified myself as “guilty”. In this sense, I stand guilty before God and people, and would actually deserve a just punishment. 

This is when the Good News of Jesus really hit me for the first time, “God sent his only son to take all of my wrongdoings upon himself.” I don’t have to die for the consequences of my own sins anymore, but I am free through Christ. I think this is amazing. 

It is as if I stole one million euros from someone and now would have to go to jail as my just punishment. But, instead of convicting me, the judge pulled out a suitcase from beneath his table containing a million euros, paid my debt, and sets me free. 

All we have to do is simply receive this gift. The bible calls it repentance: to turn around or change the way you think. In my faith, I turn to Jesus who paid all of my debt. It isn’t just about believing in the existence of God, but to truly trust Jesus. This way leads from death to life, from captivity to freedom. 

God doesn’t promise us an easy life. But to live with God and to serve him is a great privilege and a true joy. This conscious devotion to Christ changed my life as a Freestyler. In all of my successes I don’t want to seek my own glory but to give God the glory that belongs to Him. 

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.