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4 Minute Read

I suffered a bad ankle sprain last winter. It was unfortunate because a simple movement on uneven, snowy ground forced a twist on my left ankle. Beforehand, I sprained not only my left but my right ankle many, many times while playing soccer, ultimate frisbee, and basketball. This was not ideal at all, because I desperately wanted to play ball hockey in the upcoming summer and fall leagues. It’s my favourite sport, and I am a diehard Ottawa Senators fan. I also love looking up hockey statistics in my free time (no, it’s not the goal horn, but the sounds of a nerd alert that go off in the distance). So, it was hard to face the prospect that my latest injury might have kept me from having fun.

Seeking help, I got my ankles checked out by a podiatrist. Luckily, no surgery was needed. The foot doctor recommended basketball shoes for when I play running sports, as they provide strong support for the ankles. He also shared good news. I would be able to run again in time for the start of the season. So I took my tax refund, registered for the ball hockey league, and bought a nice pair of Air Jordans. I also incorporated some ankle stretches into my routine. But the healing process took time.

My ankle was still sore after a few months. I wasn’t sure if I’d be ready for the beginning of the season, or play at all, for that matter. In God’s good plan, it so happened that there was a healing event at church. I thought that maybe this too could help matters. The ministry leader invited those in attendance to receive healing for different conditions, illnesses, and issues in a small prayer group setting. Among other things, she encouraged anyone with a left ankle sprain to come up. It was too odd to be odd (so it was God), and I went to one of the small groups to receive prayer. It turns out that God didn’t want solely a physical healing but something more profound: a spiritual healing.

There were three older people in my prayer group. They asked why I wanted healing. I exclaimed with emotion, “I just want to run free!” One of them looked right at me and asked if I trusted the Lord. I really wanted to, but I felt like I hadn’t trusted enough. Over and over, I sprained my ankles, even if I asked God to heal them. This caused me to doubt. That same person who looked deeply into my soul encouraged me to trust Jesus. So with their encouragement, I turned my doubt into faith and prayed that I would have a deeper trust in the Lord. They placed their hands on my left ankle and prayed for healing—even for the neurological restoration around my ankle ligaments!

My ankles didn’t feel different at that moment. The pain was still there if I moved in a certain direction. I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Maybe I needed more faith. Or maybe I needed more prayer. I faithfully continued my ankle exercises and prepared for the beginning of the ball hockey season. It turns out that my ankle slowly felt stronger after routine exercises, ice packs, and recovery time over several weeks. With a mustard seed of hope, I was (almost) ready to play the first game. My left ankle held up—until the last play. I shifted back to defence to stop the incoming player from scoring, and his stick tripped me, and I twisted my left ankle yet again. At this point, I was completely livid and frustrated. Did I not pray for healing? Where were you, Lord? I came home, hesitantly sharing with my wife about my first game. It was the following day that I shared about my latest sprain. The ankle was purple and fat, so I couldn’t hide it. 

This latest ankle twist led to a gratuitous plot twist. The Lord had something else in mind. Forest fires and their smoke covered our city, so the following ball hockey games were postponed. This allowed more time for my ankle to heal. About a month later, after more recovery time, routine stretches, and ice packs, I was able to play, and I eventually ran without any pain! I played defence to preserve my cardio and ankles, and I did not take any game for granted. I found that the Air Jordans provided great support for my feet, despite tripping during the first game. Week after week, I was able to play, and I eventually shifted to offence for the second half of the season, my more natural position. I made some good passes, scored more often, and then made “highlight-reel plays” (according to my teammate), especially when the score was close. I found my groove, helped my team win, and realized—God didn’t make me a player, but a winner. He didn’t want me to just play with Air Jordans; he wanted me to thrive and run free!

There were two healings in this experience: one was greater, and the other was welcomed. The greater healing was my deepened trust in the Lord. Despite my doubting, Jesus came though. He honoured a simple, honest, and heartfelt prayer. Relatedly, my left ankle was healed. Probably because of natural causes, such as a podiatrist appointment and basketball shoes, but also because the Lord desired my happiness. He knew I would have a lot of fun playing ball hockey. He wanted me to simply trust him. The healing didn’t happen when I wanted it to, and it didn’t happen in the way I wanted it to. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). My last ball hockey game is this Wednesday, and I plan to enjoy every minute by running free. 

I learned through this experience that Jesus wants us to run free and that we can play our part by doing what’s necessary. Even if this means visiting a foot doctor and buying Air Jordans. Do you want to run free as well? Is a lack of trust holding you back? Bring it to the Lord, and seek his healing power. Like my experience, trust in him and his timing. Do not lose hope; have faith; and surrender your desire to be healed. Because he will answer your prayer if it’s in his will.