Nineteen-year-old Mike Fisher signed his name on the dotted line and fulfilled a life-long dream–to land a contract with the National Hockey League. With the money and fame that soon followed, he appeared to have everything that a young man could possibly need. Too often, professional athletes allow their success to consume them, and Mike began to feel the effects of his self-absorption only a few short years after beginning his NHL career.
According to a recent video for the non-profit organization I Am Second, Fisher recalls that his life at age 22 had become a facade. The piety suggested by his upright church-going routine was a far cry from reality.
During a Bible study when his attention was drawn to Luke 9:23-25, he decided that God had called him to be much more than just an egotistical sports star. Jesus clearly states in this scripture that His followers are to set aside their own selfishness and follow Him. For Mike Fisher, this command was an inspiration to pursue a relationship with God that would someday draw him closer to the woman he loves.
His future wife, however, had not yet materialized. Fisher spent the next few years learning to simply accept God’s love rather than striving to obey a long list of rules. He claims that God gradually changed him through their newly established connection. When he finally met his mate–country singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood–he found that she shared his religious beliefs.
Mike Fisher, who is now in his 17th year as a professional hockey player serving as center for the Nashville Predators, credits the success in his marriage to his relationship with God. The Christian-based faith that he has in common with Carrie is the factor that Mike believes brought them together.