I’ve been in the Major Leagues for more than 10 years with the Baltimore Orioles. Looking back I can think of specific guys who were crucial to my development and maturity as a person and a baseball player. Now, as a veteran, I feel that it’s my role to share what I’ve learned from my experiences in the same way guys did with me when I was younger.

Just like David says in Psalm 138, I know the Lord has a purpose for me, and He will fulfill it. I’ve tried over the years to grow in the understanding of my purpose. As a Christian competitor, I try to use every opportunity I can to share the gospel of Christ along with the struggles I’ve faced and the lessons God has taught me along the way. I have realized that my purpose goes far beyond just playing the game of baseball. God has purposed this sport as my mission field.

We’ve all been put here by God to be lights for Him, and we’ve each been given our unique gifts. It is up to us to recognize those gifts and use them for God’s glory. We must be willing to use our sport, no matter the level of competition, to fulfill His purposes and to share the amazing gift of His love and grace. It should be our ultimate goal to have those around us—teammates, coaches, fans—see Christ in how we perform within our sport.

And even though we will make mistakes, sometimes secretively and other times in front of the whole world, God’s grace is sufficient enough to pick us up and continue to use us for His purposes. His plans are larger than our faults, and He will always fulfill the purpose He has set for us. Never forget, His love and mercies endure forever.