“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10
A 6th-round pick in the 2012 draft by the Seattle Mariners, Tim Lopes has fought his way to a spot on the Seattle Mariners major league roster. After spending 8 years in the minor leagues, Lopes found himself at the plate for the Mariners in his long-awaited debut. It did not take long for Lopes to weave his way into the Mariners lineup and become a standout player for Seattle. But behind Lopes’ successes on the field is his faith, something he holds very dear to himself. Lopes has credited his faith in God as being a motivating factor that has led him to his current role.
Lopes has placed a priority on using his platform to make a difference in the world since the beginning of his career. He has emphasized growing his faith even in the midst of the baseball season. 
Lopes focuses on keeping his mindset on things above and trying not to get caught up in the stats that so often define athletes. “My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ is everything to me. I would have to say that it plays a huge role in my career. My faith definitely gives me perspective on the big picture which is the kingdom of God as opposed to how much attention we as players give the game of baseball. God is constantly showing me that my identity is in Christ and not in my performance on the field.” Although Lopes has always been a hard worker and has trained to be a reliable player for the Mariners, he focuses on keeping his faith first.
“My career in baseball is very secondary when it comes to me as a human being and as a follower of a Christ. There is a lot of peace knowing that we have victory in our Lord and that he did everything for us on that cross.” That peace has helped aid Lopes to take the field with a confidence that no matter his performance, he trusts in a God that loves him despite the number of wins and losses.
Lopes has also recently found a new calling as a husband to his wife, Amber. 
Married in 2017, Lopes has made being a husband a priority as well. He considers it one of the greatest blessings and looks to be a rock for his family while away from the field. “As a husband I try my best to follow the word. I know that when my wife and I keep Christ at the center of our marriage, he blesses our relationship. Trying everyday to walk as Christ did so that He can continue to transform me into the man and husband he wants me to be.” This mindset has helped Lopes not be moved by his performance on the field but instead on who God says he is.
Keeping Lopes grounded also is a verse that he holds close to his heart, Isaiah 41:10, which says, 
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse helps remind Lopes of the strength that he has from God and helps to ease many of his fears. “This verse definitely brings me a lot of peace knowing that our father is always with us and that he will never forsake us.”
As Lopes takes the field for Seattle, his inspiration radiates both through his craft on the field as well as being the man he has been called to be. As he and his wife are now the new parents of their baby, Dallas Isabel Lopes, they are grounded by the faith that they share and look forward to raising up a child as God’s precious gift.
*Photos Courtesy of Jeff Halstead
