Elite Athletes Encounter GodSample

Forgiveness sets you free 

Ursula Bruhin (Switzerland)
4x Snowboard World Champion & 2x Overall World Cup Winner

Only 3 years after she started snowboarding, Ursula took part at the regional race and the Swiss Cup in 1994. She competed in the top ten in all races right away. Four years later, she won the World Championship without the help of any professional trainers. “I reached that level without a coach and without a special training camp”, Ursula said. “During this time I worked full time as a master confectioner.”

Then when she made it as the world leader in 1998, she experienced “something like a crisis”. She remembers, stating, “I was injured, and I had to have surgery on my knee. On top of that my boyfriend left me. I gained weight because I couldn’t train any longer, and my self-worth went downhill. I was angry at my boyfriend.”

In this dark season Ursula realized that her sister had a very different view of life. “During this time my sister was attending a Bible school and made a totally happy impression. She told me: ”I believe that God wants the best for you, but first you need to forgive your ex-boyfriend.”.”

Ursula said, that she was raised by her family to attend church. However, she only went out of a sense of duty, and after she moved out, she never attended church again. Then in the midst of despair, her sister prayed for Ursula and asked God to give her strength to forgive. “He answered her prayer”, Ursula continued. “I could forgive my ex-boyfriend and I was immediately free from hatred and anger.” Amazed by how God freed her, Ursula started attending church again. At church she was “captivated” by God’s love for her. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. “I began a new life as a Christian. The answer to my prayer proved to me that when we ask God for help, He will bless and heal us. My faith continually grew and I began to experience God as a source of strength. I realized that I was in God’s hands whether I would win or lose.”

In 2006 Ursula found herself in the qualifying race for the Olympics for the second time. During a hard training she felt it harder and harder to stay motivated. She prayed and asked God: “Do you really want me to give it my all again?” Ursula remembered that she prayed for a sign about whether she should keep going or not. “One day while I was running a peace came over me. I felt God saying “yes”. The reminder of this moment was like my engine when the training became hard.” After such long and hard training Ursula thought that she could win an Olympic Gold Medal. However, when she was in the finals and realized that she wouldn’t win the gold, she still felt joy and happiness in her heart. A Bible verse became reality for her, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

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.