Igniting New Dreams

When I stepped away from my position with Major League Baseball, I faced a difficult question: now what? A dream had ended, and I needed help from God to learn how to dream again in a different way.

Letting go of the past gives you room to embrace what’s next. I knew I couldn’t view this transition as a loss. Instead, I had to view it as preparation for the future. The same God who called me to coach was now calling me forward into a new role.

As I searched for my new role, God guided me. He showed me to focus on three things: my relationship with Him, my family, and youth baseball.

I love teaching, and as I grow closer to God, He reminds me to share with others. In this new season, I look for ways to point others to Christ. Whatever I do, I can be intentional about sharing my testimony.

Baseball has been an important part of my life for fifty years. I’m no longer coaching professionals, but God has given me a desire to help young players. He has put me in a place where I can teach them what really matters. I get to help them succeed on the field and grow strong in character off the field.

My son is 15 years old and growing in his baseball career. When I was his age, I kept baseball and God separate. I attended church and believed in God. But I believed my success in baseball was only the result of my own hard work and talent.

Now, as a father, I want my son to learn that his relationship with God will guide him in baseball. Whether he wins or loses, following Jesus will help him grow in his faith and find deeper purpose in his baseball goals. I hope he succeeds on the field, but what matters most is that he knows God loves him and wants what is best for him. This is my mission in this new season of my life.

The end of one dream isn’t the end of all dreams. God is not finished with you. You were made to grow, lead, and impact others in every season of your life. This next chapter may feel unfamiliar, but it’s full of purpose.

Challenge:

• What desires and passions are God stirring in your heart right now?
• What skills, experiences and values from your athletic journey can be used in new ways in the next chapter of your life?
• Spend some time reflecting. Have you been afraid to dream again, or are you ready to trust God with what’s next?

Prayer:

"God, thank You for all the doors You’ve opened in the past, and the ones You’re preparing for me now. Help me to release fear, regret, and bitterness, and step into this next season with faith. Reignite dreams that align with Your purpose for my life. Let me be bold enough to believe that You still have more ahead. Amen."

Summary

The biblical story of Joseph has applications to the life of an athlete.

Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, had dreams of greatness and leadership as a young man. But his journey had hardships and setbacks. It is like an athlete's injuries or failures. He experienced bad calls and injustice. Despite the trials, Joseph trusted God, maintained his integrity, and continued to persevere.

Over time, Joseph’s faith and perseverance saw a reward. He rose to power and ultimately saved his family and many others from famine. Joseph understood that God was working, even when the path seemed unclear. Through it all, he gave glory to God.

Our prayer is that before, during, and after your competition, you will have a similar perspective. Keep God's word in front of you and focus your eyes on Him!

Next Steps

Athletes in Action has other plans dealing with sports. You can use those plans to also equip you for competition. You can find those plans on the AIA Connection page in the Bible App. Click the "Follow" button to receive notifications of new content.

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