It is a painfully clear memory for me. The 500-metre speed skating heats at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games inLillehammer, Norway. Early in the race, I caught an edge, hit the ice and crashed into the barrier.

That was a definite career low, especially knowing millions of fans were watching on TV. It took months before I could find the courage to skate again. During that time, I found myself asking why this had to happen to me.


The life change

Prior to the Olympics, everything had been going well. But now I began to notice that not only myself, but a number of top athletes seemed unhappy. So I started looking for answers. I met someone who explained Jesus to me and how He could answer my questions. Not long after, I asked Jesus into my heart.

Turning my life over to God was a difficult thing because it meant that I had to give Him control of my life. I am determined and stubborn and I thought I would get more from life by pushing myself. But I found that the more I tried, the less happy I was. I learned that life is better when I give everything to God. I know that no matter what I do, I am always loved.


A new focus

Now there is a peace in my life, and I know that Jesus is a part of everything I do, on or off the ice. My focus has changed because I know that I don't have to worry about results. I train hard and when I skate, I do the best I can and trust God to help me for the rest.

That is the attitude I took with me to Nagano, Japan for the 1998 Winter Games. I knew that no matter how well I did, Jesus would be there for me. That time around, I skated well and captured the gold medal in the 500-metre race. Though it was great to win the Olympic Gold again in Salt Lake City, I know my relationship with Jesus gives me true significance. He loves me, brings joy to my life and gives me peace. With him, my life is truly fulfilling.

Take a look at your life.  How would you describe it? Contented? Rushed? Exciting? Stressful? Moving forward? Holding back? For many of us it’s all of the above at times.  There are things we dream of doing one day, there are things we wish we could forget.  In the Bible, it says that Jesus came to make all things new.  What would your life look like if you could start over with a clean slate?

Living with hope

If you are looking for peace, there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here's a suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? You can pray it right now, and Jesus Christ will come into your life, just as He promised. 

Is this the life for you?

If you invited Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you'll experience life to the fullest.