The Transformative Power of Humility and Faith / Guest Post by David Nippard

April 19th, 2024
by David Nippard

A Lesson Learned as a Competitor for Christ

As I journey along the path of being a Competitor for Christ, I’ve encountered a multitude of experiences that have left indelible marks on my soul. Each and every experience has served as a classroom, imparting invaluable lessons along the way. Reflecting on this journey unveils a profound understanding that God has graciously imparted upon me: the transformative power of humility and persistence in faith.

In the extremely competitive world of hockey, every athlete dreams of winning a championship and leaving behind a lasting legacy. I was no different. My goal has been to be a part of a first-place team and raise another cup. In September of 2023, I was on track to fulfill that dream when I signed with a powerhouse club loaded with players who all shared this common goal.

As a part of a first-place hockey team, I felt the sense of pride and triumph that radiated throughout the entire organization. It was clear we were destined to leave behind a legacy of greatness, one built on hard work, dedication, and commitment. As an athlete, it can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of victory, accolades, personal glory, and selfish ambition. For me, this is where God gently nudged me towards embracing humility as a cornerstone of my faith and athletic endeavors.

An Unexpected Trade

A sudden roster trade completely turned my plan upside down

Just as quick as the successes appeared to be in reach, they were taken away. The unexpected news of being traded to a last-place team hit me by surprise. Confusion, disappointment, and doubt clouded my mind, but engaged my faith. How could this happen? Why me? Am I not good enough? In the midst of all of the uncertainty, I found solace in my faith, trusting God’s plan, even when it seemed beyond my understanding. I prayed…. And prayed.

My initial response to this was “NO”… I was not going to report and I was going to take a step away from hockey once and for all, however, God had a different plan. I went home that evening and asked God for help and guidance for my next decision. It was in that moment of vulnerability I realized that true strength lies not in the exaltation of self, but in the surrender to God’s will and the uplifting of others. This was an opportunity to use my athletic ability and my tool of hockey as an avenue to reach out to others and be an advocate for Christ and His team.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

An Opportunity for Impact

As I laced up my skates with my new hockey club, I realized that the journey to leaving a legacy wasn’t always a straight path to victory. It’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Instead of dwelling on past successes, I approached this situation with a renewed sense of purpose-a purpose grounded in the belief that true legacy isn’t measured by wins and losses, but by the character we display in the face of adversity and how through faith, we can overcome and navigate through such adversities.

This unexpected transition presented a new opportunity to utilize my God-given gifts and reach out to a new team, fans, and community. With humility and faith as my guiding lights, I embraced this change to embody Christ’s love in a new environment, serving as an inspiration of hope and encouragement for those around me.

Colossians 3:12-13
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the lord forgave you, so also should you.”

Persistence in Faith

I've learned that faith isn’t just a passive belief; it’s an active, ongoing commitment to trust in God’s plan despite challenges and setbacks. I also know that for me to be such an advocate for Him and be an avenue for others to get closer to Him, I have to be persistent in my faith and my commitment to Him. It requires me to live out my faith in tangible ways, demonstrating love, compassion, and forgiveness for those around me. It involves actively seeking opportunities to share the hope and comfort that my faith provides.

Take Action - Persist in Faith!

1. Daily Devotion: Dedicate time for prayer and reflection on Scripture.

2. Set Faith Goals: Set clear objectives for spiritual growth

3. Embrace Adversity: View obstacles as opportunities for spiritual growth. Be strong in faith and trust the Lord!

My faith is not static but dynamic… It’s a journey marked by both highs and lows, victories and challenges, but through it all, I am committed to preserving my trust and devotion to Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

My name is David Nippard, and I am from Newfoundland, Canada. After successfully obtaining undergraduate degrees in kinesiology as well as Business management, I pursued a career in minor professional hockey. Currently residing in Macon, Georgia, USA. I am also aiming to inspire and uplift others through my faith journey.