Who Am I Now?

For the last 22 years, I have been the Texas Rangers’ strength coach. It wasn’t my childhood dream job, and I didn’t always envision myself in this role. But when God directed me down this path, I accepted my role with joy. My job gave me unexpected opportunities, and it became a central part of my identity.

Whatever we do in life, people often give us labels. They might call us coach, shortstop, ball boy, father, teacher, or something else. We start to believe these labels define us. In my case, the label of Major League Baseball strength coach came with luxuries. I grew comfortable with those benefits. I tried to keep a balance between who I am in Christ and who I am as a coach. But the fight between what God wants and what my selfish nature wants is real. Many times, my selfish nature wins.

I became accustomed to what came with being a well-known coach. My reason for coaching changed. It was no longer about the joy of the job. Instead, I wanted the respect and honor that came with the title. I cared more about the title than about truly loving the work.

I traveled to places I’d only dreamed about. I met people that you see on TV. I rubbed elbows with the best baseball players in the world. That became the anchor for who I was. My position in the baseball world made me feel important.

It has been two years since our World Series victory. In this season, I’ve asked myself: who am I now? The truth is, I am what I’ve always been—a child of God, an heir to the King of Kings!

Before God ever gave you a role—as an athlete or a coach—He gave you a relationship. He called you His.

Your identity doesn’t retire with your number. Your identity is rooted in Christ. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Challenge:

• What parts of your identity do you need to lay down or redefine?
• How can you root yourself deeper in who Christ says you are?

Prayer:

"Father, I’ve struggled to know who I am without the game. Help me not to cling to my old identity, but to embrace the new one You give me. Remind me that I am Yours—fully known, fully loved. Amen."