In a season marked by unexpected success and a deep reliance on faith, veteran pitcher Luke Weaver of the New York Yankees has shared how his Christian faith has been a constant source of strength and guidance. As Weaver continues to shine on the mound for the Yankees in 2024, he credits his spiritual foundation for helping him navigate the ups and downs of his career.

Weaver, now in his ninth year in Major League Baseball, has had an impressive season, contributing significantly to the Yankees’ success. With a 3.17 ERA, a record of 5-3, and one save, the right-handed reliever ranks fifth on the team in innings pitched. However, the success he’s enjoying now came after a tumultuous 2023 season when he played for three different teams and faced serious challenges, both professionally and personally.

During that difficult stretch, Weaver’s faith played a pivotal role in keeping him grounded. He recently opened up about his struggles and how Scripture gave him peace during some of his darkest moments. Appearing on the Sports Spectrum Podcast, Weaver revealed that one verse in particular from 2 Corinthians 12:10 became a lifeline for him: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Weaver explained how this verse, written by the Apostle Paul, resonated deeply with him during a period of self-doubt and uncertainty. “I’m in the midst of my struggle, and I’m praying hard, and I’m in 2 Corinthians, 12:10 — talking about Paul and his thorn in his side,” Weaver shared. “And [Paul’s] just like, ‘Alright, You put this thorn here for a reason because You’re allowing me to know Your power in my weakness.’ There’s so much power in that.”

The message from Paul’s letter “hit him like a ton of bricks,” he said and brought him a sense of peace that he had been searching for. “I just reread it probably 50 times, and I just focused on it,” Weaver added. This deep connection with the Scripture helped Weaver find strength in his vulnerability and reminded him that God’s power is most evident when he is feeling weak.

Weaver’s struggles in 2023 were not just spiritual. He suffered a painful elbow injury after being struck by a line drive while playing for the Cincinnati Reds, an event that sidelined him and put his career at risk. Shortly after, he was released by the Reds and picked up by the Seattle Mariners. His time with Seattle was brief, as he was waived again after just a month, leaving him uncertain about his future in the league. It was then, in September of last year, that the Yankees claimed him, a turn of events that left Weaver both surprised and grateful.

“I was shocked the Yankees — the most storied team in Major League Baseball — wanted me,” Weaver told Sports Spectrum. “I remember just convincing myself like, ‘This is where we’re at.’ Like, ‘This is where God’s put you.'” Reflecting on the journey, Weaver admitted to being overwhelmed with gratitude for what God had done for him, even in the face of adversity. “I broke down a couple of times just through the season, sitting in my hotel bed just thinking about the success that He’s brought me and the health that He’s brought me. And just being like, ‘Gosh, this is why we fight.'”

Weaver’s journey has taught him to stay humble and focused on being a good teammate, regardless of his performance on the field. His conversations with God during his career have centered around a desire to serve Him and glorify Him, even through the struggles. “I’ve had those conversations with God where I’m like, ‘I want to be better. I want to fight to win Your favor and just know that I’m thinking of You no matter what,'” Weaver shared. His faith has fueled his determination, and he’s quick to acknowledge that the success he’s experienced in 2024 has been a direct result of answered prayers.

As he continues to excel on the field, Weaver feels a sense of responsibility to honor God with his actions and to remember where his strength comes from. “I’m thankful for that, but in return, sometimes I have some guilt where I’m just like … ‘Hey, You’re giving me this, but I want to make sure I’m fighting for You.'” Weaver’s desire to be the best version of himself, both as a player and a person, is rooted in his relationship with God.

With his faith as his foundation, Weaver approaches the game with confidence, knowing that no matter the outcome, his identity is secure in Christ. “My foundation is built on Rock, and it can’t be changed,” he said. “There’s such peace in that.”