- Content: 
By Mallory Mattingly
Nebraska baseball star Joshua Overbeek played his last game on Monday when Arizona State beat the Cornhuskers.
Despite the loss, Overbeek focused on the relationship the team built because of their faith in Christ.
“The reason why this team was so special is because we had faith, whether we were on the ball field or in the classroom or just hanging out together,” the infielder told the media after the game, per Christhlete. “So many guys believe in Jesus Christ and what He’s done for us, and that brought this team together truly. And that’s the reason why we’re here, and that’s the reason why we put on the uniform to glorify God, and that’s what made this team so special, because of the gospel.”
No matter where his teammates end up, Overbeek knows that through their deep bond, they will still be connected.
“Just leaving this program now, knowing I played my last game as a Husker, I know I left an eternal impact on these guys, and whether, you know, they have children down the road, they get married or whatever that looks like, this group will be together for life, and we know these guys can reach out and ask for anything,” he continued. “We can lean on our coaches, because they’ve helped us so much, not just in the game, but in life, and just this family will be forever.”
Related: NC State Pitcher Finds Strength on the Mound Through This Bible Verse
As Overbeek prepared to play his last game with the Cornhuskers, he wrote a letter to Nebraska to express his gratitude for the last three years.
“When I first got here, I was a wayward kid just looking for direction. You took a chance on me, and that changed everything,” he began. “Getting to put on this jersey and play the game I love every day is something I never took for granted. From the nights under the lights at Haymarket Park, to early mornings in the weight room, to all the time spent just being around the guys, this place became home. God used Nebraska to strip away what I thought defined me. The game gave me a platform, but it never gave me an identity. I had to learn that the hard way.”
Overbeek learned to lean on God “Through failure, through waiting, through moments where I had nothing left to lean on but Him.”
“And every time, Jesus was enough,” he continued. “Not because of anything I did, but because of what Christ has already finished. That’s what I’ll carry with me. Not the stats or the memories people see, but the work God did in my heart through His Word and through the faithful people of Lincoln.”
The infielder went on to thank all of the people involved in his life at Nebraska and concluded his message by declaring that his purpose in life is to “make Christ known.”
“This chapter closes, but the calling remains: to live boldly, to lead faithfully and to use whatever platform I’m given to make Christ known,” he said.
Overbeek’s time at Nebraska truly exemplifies the unifying message of the gospel.
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
Share:
- Content: +4
