The chinekedblog

For more than a decade, Michael Phelps has been in the spotlight for not only his gift of swimming, but also his unfortunate battle with substance abuse.Many are quick to label Phelps — the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, winning 22 medals — 18 of them gold in swimming — as another “punk” athlete caught in a downward spiral of poor decisions.However, the 31-year-old swimmer recently revealed how he almost committed suicide in September 2014 — but everything changed when God stepped into his life in the most extraordinary way. 

                                                                 Phelps “hit rock bottom” after getting arrested for drunk driving on Sept. 30, 2014 — marking his second DUI arrest within 10 years. Shortly before his arrest, a controversial photo had also emerged showing him smoking an illegal substance.That’s when Phelps’ long-time friend, NFL star Ray Lewis, an outspoken Christian, came to his rescue. Before convincing Phelps to enter rehab, Lewis shared a few wise words with his brother in Christ.Thankfully, Phelps heeded his Christian friend’s advice and entered the rehab facility. However, it was the shocking gift from Lewis that Phelps packed with him that had the most profound impact on him.
When Phelps went to rehab, he entered carrying “The Purpose Driven Life,” by Rick Warren — his gift from Lewis.

 

     The Christian book also convinced Phelps to make amends with his estranged father, Fred, who divorced his wife when Phelps was just 9-years-old. For Phelps, Chapter 20 of “The Purpose Driven Life” weighed heavy on his heart. The chapter begins with 2 Cor. 5:18, which reads:Phelps announced that Rio 2016 will be his fifth and last Olympics — meaning it will be his final chance to give God all the glory in front of the world, and leaving fans wondering what “purpose” he will share with us after.
Michael Phelps’ testimony illustrates the salvation and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. When the devil tried to detour Phelps’ Olympic dreams with substance abuse and family problems, God sent him a miracle in the form of a Christian book given to him by his brother in Christ. Phelps’ restored Christian faith empowered him to persevere and reach heights most athletes will never see.