“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15
God has been teaching me patience.
Back in 2016 I was hurt in the beginning of the year, but when I finally became healthy, I started pitching really strong. I was throwing really well and had some of the best numbers in the league. I started feeling good about myself, like I belonged here — I was pitching well and doing what I’ve always wanted to do. I went into that offseason working even harder in order to get better and better.
With all that hard work I expected to have an even better season than the last, but unfortunately, I didn’t. I got hurt again in the middle of the season and I just wasn’t really able to pull it all together. I struggled last year; it was probably one of the worst baseball years of my life as far as success goes. But even throughout that time, though I did stress about it, I felt, and still feel, a lot of peace about it all. I’m working really hard and I know that if I really try, put in the work, and take care of all that I need to do, good things might happen. But even if they don’t, I’ll just keep working my hardest.
Thankfully, we have a great chaplain and an amazing group of guys on the Tigers who come to chapel every Sunday. This group has been a huge encouragement to me throughout this season. Last year, there were four of us who met regularly for a Bible study. I really enjoyed that; I had never experienced that in pro ball before so that was really special for me. It felt good to meet in the mornings and dive into God’s truths before going out on the field. We went through a book called “Growing Strong in God’s Family.” It was really good timing for me considering how my season was going; it helped me keep my perspective fixed on Christ.
Each year players are traded, friends move away, and new challenges arise with the new season, but Christ remains with us at all times and His promises hold true. Only He can provide a peace that lasts.
— Daniel Norris, Detroit Tigers pitcher
The INCREASE is now part of The Sports Spectrum Network. For more stories like this, visit TheIncrease.com
