EDITOR’S NOTE: NCSU baseball player Baker Nelson reached out to Sports Spectrum with a desire to share some things God had laid on his heart, inspired by teammate DeAngelo Giles. He says he’s always seen baseball as a tool to spread the name of Jesus, and we’re more than happy to help him do that. Here’s his story.
My name is Baker Nelson. I am currently a junior at N.C. State University.
I was raised in a very Christian household. I learned more and more as I got older how much of a blessing it is to have everyone in your family be a follower of Jesus. There are so many things I was taught at a young age, things I learned from my family rather than learning by going through some hardships of my own.
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However, the Christian childhood that brought me to my faith was also the one thing that shook my faith the most. Growing up, I always heard these great testimonies of people who repented and their lives took a full 180. But my life was church and Jesus before and after I got saved — there was never a very distinct turning point because I was raised in a Christian household. This caused me to doubt my salvation when I was young, but it also drove me to prayer, and eventually allowed my relationship with Jesus to become very personal. I prayed myself out of doubt and into stronger faith. This is when I realized the power of prayer and the power of the promises of God.
Baker Nelson (Photo courtesy of Baker Nelson)
I translate this same idea into baseball. I believe without a doubt that if you commit your plans to the Lord, they will succeed (Proverbs 16:3). This concept is the driving force behind my baseball career. Baseball is fun and I have enjoyed playing it since I was a kid, but at the end of the day, baseball is only a tool given to me by God to bring people to know Him. I pray that God’s will would be done in my life, and if I can walk in a manner worthy of the gifts I have been given, then God will grant me the things my heart desires, because my heart is for Him.
I believe that baseball is my platform to share the grace and love of Jesus. I will continue to grow in my faith and do everything I can to further God’s Kingdom. And if for some reason baseball isn’t my route, that means that God has something even more joyful and fulfilling in my future. The source of peace in my life is relying on Jesus, walking with Him through all my days, and not worrying about the days to come because I put my faith in Him.
My desire is His will. This allows me to not be anxious, and to rest in Him knowing that His hand is always on my life. And that is the best feeling in the world.
If you’re an athlete or coach seeking a platform to share your story, feel free to send an email to jon@sportsspectrum.com.
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