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.”