We started the season off with a bang, but then endured a losing streak. We’ve been able to get some of that momentum back, and we’re gearing up for a midseason run. At the end of the day, we all want to find a way to thrive on the field, not just as individuals, but as a team.

We’re trying to just put four quarters together and it’s not always easy to do that. But we have to find a way to do that and do it consistently. With new coaches, new personalities and new philosophies, it’s an adjustment. Whenever you need to learn how to do things a different way, you will have to work out some kinks. And working with people always has its challenges, but it’s been good.

I often pray about this for myself, as well as ask for prayer from my wife. When you’re not winning games like you want to, you have to lean into your faith in God and His plan. Though, when you’re winning, you have to just as much. There may even be more to distract you from God when you are finding success.

Prayer is everything to me. The ability to talk through things with God is crucial. Maybe I’m not thinking in the right way about challenges within the job, maybe I’m not speaking to my teammates or coaches the way I should be, but I’m always able to ask the Lord to bridle my tongue, guide my thoughts and humble my spirit. This consistent conversation with the Father is important. I’m able to ask His Son Jesus Christ to petition for me as well as comfort me during challenges. The Trinity is a powerful source that helps me every day, and prayer is what triggers all these things to work together for my good and the good of the Kingdom.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28

I would hope that my teammates would be able to look at my life and say that I’m consistent. I believe that is the ultimate measure of a Christian man. It’s not always going to be easy; the path isn’t always going to be hunky dory. But more than anything, it’s important to be a light, to be that person others know they can talk to, pray with, lean on and trust in any situation.

With that, I also want to be a consistent competitor — someone who aims to win at all times, challenging and bringing the best out of my teammates while having empathy and compassion for them at the same time. I’m not perfect, and neither are my teammates, but I can be a light to them.

At the end of the day, whether things go well on the field or not, we have a job to do and I can do mine with an eternal perspective, being a beacon of light to those around me.

— Kelvin Beachum, New York Jets offensive tackle

The Increase, part of the Sports Spectrum Network, is a community of Christian pro athletes sharing their personal stories of the decrease of self and the increase of Christ (John 3:30). Visit TheIncrease.com for more stories and videos.