Sports Spectrum

A major fear for most athletes is injury. It is crucial for our bodies to be healthy. In February 2003, I faced this fear head on when I severely injured my ankle during a game. After sitting out for several weeks, followed by an unsuccessful attempt at returning to play, I was eventually sent for an MRI. The results were startling. A severely bruised anklebone, a small bone chip, and several other old injuries had combined to produce the extreme pain I was experiencing. The recommended solution was major surgery.

This was not in my plans. In two months I was to compete in the Pan American Games, in three months the Olympic qualifications, and I was in the middle of signing my third professional contract. I had no time for surgery and six months of rehabilitation.

Thankfully, God had something else planned. From the day I injured my ankle I prayed that God would heal me. I didn’t know God’s will for this specific situation, but I rested in the promise that He is able to do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. I waited on Him, and although there was no spontaneous, dramatic healing, God definitely answered my prayer.

Despite the doctor’s prognosis, I played in both competitions, and to this day I am able to play pain-free. No surgery was needed, because I had the best doctor of all—a heavenly Healer.

When we think things are impossible, that is when God takes over.