Written by: Zach Israel
The last 6 years have been an incredible experience being a part of the Lipscomb community as a student and member of the track and cross-country team. In 2015, I was on campus for my official visit, and I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to Lipscomb for more than running. Since then, that calling has been a compass and a constant reminder in my life.
When I first stepped on campus, I believed my identity was in Christ, but truthfully, nothing had ever challenged that belief. Before coming to college, I had never sustained any significant injuries that took me out of my sport for more than a few days or a week. In my time at Lipscomb, I've experienced my fair share of injuries, each seemingly worse and more prolonged than the last. Every injury brought pain, doubt, and fear. Will this pain ever fade? Can I still do this? What if I'm not meant to go any further? Will I ever get to race again? These sorts of thoughts always creep in. While battling each injury, at some point I had to face the question, where do I find my identity? In those moments, I had to remind myself of my official visit when the Lord called me to Lipscomb for more than running.
Putting anything else ahead of my sport used to be intimidating. I feared that I couldn't give enough and produce good results in my sport. Once I was able to put God first it brought me security. I no longer worried about how my results could shake my identity. Putting God first gave me even more joy in my sport. Every time I raced; I was putting on display the gift He gave me. When the result wasn't quite what I hoped for, I was grateful because I remembered the times I couldn't race, or even run. When the result was everything I hoped for and more, I was overwhelmed and thankful to God for the opportunity and ability to put my abilities on display as worship to Him.
I attribute much of my spiritual growth over the last 6 years to my seasons of injury. The injuries I sustained brought plenty of hard times, but they forced me to lay everything before God. I was able to return to my sport after each injury which is testament of God's faithfulness, but what I came to accept while battling those injuries is even if I was never able to race again, His faithfulness is steadfast.
