Elite Athletes Encounter GodSample

What is your foundation in sport & life?

Josef Marha (Czech Republic)
3 x Spengler Cup Winner & 5 x Swiss Champion with the record-holding ice hockey team, HC Davos

Josef Marha in the interview with Jörg Walcher on 06.02.2012

Hockey is a hard sport, and hockey players are known for living an extreme life. What does your faith in Jesus Christ mean to you in this environment?

Yes, hockey definitely is a hard sport, and there are many temptations. Through it all, my faith in Jesus Christ is my foundation. He helps me in my life and in the world of sports. 

Can you share about a personal experience that you had with God?

Yes, I can. I have daily experiences with God because He works in and through us every moment of our lives. 

How do you live out your faith in your team?

I try to live my life according to the Bible. It’s not so easy when you are the only believer on the team, and you aren’t able to talk to anybody about biblical things. But I know that God is there with me all the time, and therefore I am not alone. 

Do you have a bible verse that means a lot to you?

Yes, it’s John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

What helps you grow in your relationship with God?

Difficult times. We always grow the most when things aren’t going the way we thought they would. If everything goes well, we have the tendency to drift away and slow down.

How do you cope with the highs and lows in your career?

When I have a bad game or things don’t go the way I expect them to, I know that God is there, and that He has everything under control. I try to set my focus on Him because He gives me the peace that I need to endure difficult times. 

What do you do in terms of mental training as preparation before a game?

Before every game I always pray, that is my mental preparation. Furthermore, I always try to give thanks 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.