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Friday, March 28, 2025

My Testimony: How Soccer Shaped My Walk with God

 My Testimony: How Soccer Shaped My Walk with God

Soccer has been a part of my life since I was 13, but I didn’t fully understand how it connected to my faith until I became a follower of Jesus at 21. Looking back, I can see how the lessons I learned on the field helped shape my spiritual journey.

Playing soccer taught me discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—things that also play a huge role in my walk with Christ. Just like in a game, I’ve faced challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But through it all, I’ve learned that God is my ultimate coach, guiding me even when I don’t fully understand His strategy.

Being part of a team helped me see the importance of community. In soccer, no one wins alone—we rely on our teammates, trust our coach, and work toward a common goal. The same is true in my faith. I’ve realized that I need others to encourage me, challenge me, and walk alongside me as I grow in my relationship with Jesus.

Soccer also taught me humility. Whether I was celebrating a victory or learning from a loss, God showed me that my identity isn’t in my performance, but in Him. Winning or losing, my worth doesn’t come from what I do, but from who I am as His child.

Through every sprint, every pass, every hard-fought match, I’ve learned to rely on God’s strength and not my own. Just as I train to improve my game, I’m called to grow in my faith—spending time in His Word, praying, and seeking Him daily.

But perhaps the most important lesson soccer has taught me is how to trust in God’s timing. In a game, sometimes you have to wait for the right moment to take a shot, make a pass, or defend an attack. In life, it’s the same—God’s plans don’t always unfold on my schedule, but His timing is always perfect. Learning to be patient, trust the process, and keep pushing forward has strengthened my faith in ways I never expected.

Now, I want to use soccer as a way to encourage others in their faith. Whether we’re on the field or in everyday life, we’re all running the race set before us. My prayer is that through soccer, we can grow together, strengthen each other, and keep our eyes on the ultimate goal—Jesus. Because at the end of the day, no trophy, title, or goal will ever compare to the victory we have in Him.

Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Week 1: The Game Plan

 Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Reflection: Just as every soccer game starts with a strategy, God has a game plan for each of us. Coaches may adjust plays based on what they see on the field, but God’s plan for our lives is purposeful, hopeful, and steadfast. Trusting His plan means allowing Him to be our ultimate coach, leading us even when we don’t see the whole field.

Prayer: Lord, help me trust Your plan and follow Your guidance, knowing You see my future even when I can’t.

Join our Soccer Pickup if you live Close to Mebane, North Carolina by Grace Church - Alamance Campus

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to dust off those cleats and get back on the field! We’re excited to kick off another season of fun, fellowship, and friendly soccer at Haw River Community Park—and you’re invited. We did have a different location for March because Haw River closes at 6PM until April. 


It will be helpful if you could let us know by Monday each week if you plan on attending Wednesday pickup!

Please join our WhatsApp group for the latest updates for weather conditions, location changes, etc. - You will received link for WhatsApp group once you join Meetup and/or email list.

Also please use Meetup to RSVP which will be helpful for planning purposes!

Also, join our Facebook Group!

Join our Email List here!


Here’s what you need to know:

📅 Starting Date: Sunday, March 10, 2025
🕒 New Time: Wednesdays at 6 PM (starting after the time change)
📍 Location: Haw River Community Park
👟 Who Can Play: Ages 10 and up – all skill levels welcome!
🎉 What to Expect: A laid-back, friendly environment to play soccer, connect with others, and reflect on what it means to follow Jesus—on and off the field.

Bring a friend (or a few!), a bottle of water, and a heart ready for fun and encouragement. We’re glad to have you.

Let’s make this season one to remember as we grow!

See you on the field,

Chelsea Vanderpool
984-204-9508, call or text

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