March 2010 Jill Ewert

Tyler Zeller #44

Hometown: Washington, Ind. Class: Sophomore Position: Forward Height: 7-0 Weight: 240 lbs. College: University of North Carolina Trivia: •Member of 2009 NCAA National Championship team •2009 All-ACC Academic Men’s Basketball team •Indiana’s High School Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year (2008)

Believe me, I realize how blessed my life has been. My parents are strong Christians who raised my brother and me to go to church every Sunday and develop a relationship with God. My brother, Luke, who played basketball at the University of Notre Dame, was very influential in my spiritual growth. We were both in small groups while in high school, and we learned a lot about the Lord during that time.

It was after my freshman year of high school that I developed my own personal relationship with Christ. That summer I went to a three-day Christian retreat in Indiana. While I was there, I was surrounded by sincere Christians and a staff whose main purpose was to help us get closer to Jesus Christ. My time there captivated me, and I wound up asking Christ into my heart.

Since then, my relationship with Him has grown so much stronger. I experienced success both on the basketball court and in the classroom during my high school career, but I tried to keep the Lord as my top priority. Yes, I faced the same trials, temptations and struggles that the typical high school kid faces, and I continue to face new ones in college, but I trust the Word of God and 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV), which says: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” That verse has helped me view the challenges in my life as opportunities to turn to God for strength.

Leaving high school for the University of North Carolina was another big challenge, but also another chance to grow. I was on my own in a different environment and far away from home. I had to find a new church and an entirely new group of friends. It was difficult to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends, but now that I’m a sophomore, it has gotten easier.

In the community of other Christians and Christian athletes on campus, I have been able to encourage others and to be encouraged myself. Finding the right group of people to spend time with is very important for people of any age, and groups like FCA are so helpful. They provide places where people who are going through similar circumstances can come together in community. The shared experience of trying to juggle academics and athletics brings people together and creates a strong bond.

Finding balance has been another great opportunity to learn about and grow in faith. If I can’t make it to church because of practice or games, I am still able to read my Bible and stay in the Word. I consider my school studies to be very important, but my biblical studies outrank them in priority. It is humbling to hear people on campus say they have been encouraged by me and the way I act. I give God all the glory when I’m told that I’m different than the stereotypical athlete. The difference in me comes from God’s power and His Word.

When it comes to my time on the court, my faith allows me to relax and allow the peace of God to take over. If I get worried before a game or make a mistake during one, I think about Philippians 4:13: “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” It is comforting to know that He is there with me, helping me in every basketball situation.

Yes, I know that I’ve been blessed. I’m blessed to be where God has me at UNC and blessed to be His child. And in both my college career and my life of faith, I’m excited to see what God has in store for the future.

What about you? Do you read Tyler Zeller’s story and desire a relationship with God for yourself? Your path may not be the same as his, but God is the Lord over us all, including you and your unique situation. He knew you before you were born and wants to meet you right where you are. Today—right now—you can begin living in relationship with Him by responding to Him in prayer and asking Jesus Christ to become the Lord of your life.   If you don’t know exactly what that means or where to start, that’s OK. Understand that it’s perfectly legitimate to seek and ask questions. Contact a trusted Christian friend or pastor and tell them about your curiosity. They will be able to offer you help and advice. If you don’t have anyone to call, go online to morethanwinning.org or call FCA’s National Support Center at 1-800-289-0909.

--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.