My Basketball Story!

I have had a passion for basketball for well over 50 years!

Basketball Testimony 2 NeedEncouragement.com

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This basketball story is a captivating story of redemption and God’s love and grace. It is truly remarkable to think how someone like me could dedicate their entire life to a sport as exhilarating as basketball. Starting from the young age of fourth grade and continuing through high school and beyond, basketball became more than just a game for me – it became my reason for existence, a passion. But it did teach me many good lessons and formed some good character qualities. As time passed by, my fervor for the sport remained steadfast. I remember John Wooden’s wise words that echoed in my mind: “The choices you make in life make you.” And so, I decided to pour myself into something I genuinely loved; little did I know that this devotion was slowly becoming an obsession bordering on idolatry.

God Makes Good Out Of Our Difficulties In Our Lives, (He Has Done So In My Life) We Just Need To Trust God And Be Patient! And Follow Close To Him! Sure, Sometimes We Feel Like Wondering Or Giving Up, But Have Faith, All Good Things Come To Those Who Wait! Keep Your Eyes On The Lord!

Thank be to God – I managed to conquer my addictions. But this victory wasn’t solely meant for personal triumph; rather, it ignited within me a passion to become a beacon of hope for others who might be struggling with similar issues I went through. ~ Bill Greguska.

Romans 8:28  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.

 

 

My Basketball Story Is A Continuation Of Basketball Testimony!

Basketball testimony of Bill Greguska. NeedEncouragement.com

My Pius XI teammate 1974-77, best friend Kevin Reddy, and I were at a Bucks playoff game!

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I Have Loved NBA Basketball Since 1971!

 

 

The God Of Second Chances In My Life!

I remember one cold fall day about 40 years ago, before tryouts for varsity basketball. I seriously considered suicide, but I was too afraid to do it, but the thoughts tormented me. My love for my mom, God, and basketball kept me going.

I remember my mom wanting to buy new clothes for me that fall, but I did not want to waste her money because I thought I would not be around to wear them since death had been on my mind day and night for quite a while. I distinctly remember my mom telling me to take my dog for a run because I was depressed for quite a while. What happened was that while I was running down the parkway in the snow, my dog started pulling me to go faster.

By God’s Grace, We Have Been Saved!

My Basketball Testimony is a story of resilience, determination, and faith. It’s a tale about how basketball became a guiding light in my life who was lost but I found my way back on the right path. But after hitting rock bottom, I found solace in Jesus Christ and turned my life around with a newfound appreciation for what truly mattered – not just on the court but also off it. We all need something to aspire to do, and basketball was that to me, as I put God on the back burner of my life priorities.

As I did with basketball, an underlying message of hope encourages others to look beyond their circumstances and find strength in their passion. Despite falling into traps set by the devil along the way, I persevered through trials using lessons learned from playing basketball, such as teamwork or hard work leading to success on both sides: personal growth & winning games alike! The fact that other athletes fall prey to similar vices makes it easy to lose sight of what’s important when chasing fame or fortune instead of staying true to oneself and God above all else.

 

Now This Is What I Call A Basketball Super Dog!

Dog dunking basketball. NeedEncouragement.com

My Junior Year Summer of Drinking And Drugs!

I made the team because of how good I was when I was on junior varsity just the year before. I was glad I was on the team, but sitting on the bench all year was humbling. But my love for basketball gave me hope to hold on to it. I was alive, and God gave me another chance. It was not the last chance I got. God has been watching over me as far back as I can remember; the problems I did not have my eyes on Him and drifted into sin off and on for the next ten years.

The scripture below shows how God loves you and me and wants to give us second and third chances to bow our knees to Him and humbly come to Him and follow him as Lord and Savior.

Joel 2:25  “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm— my great army that I sent among you.

Dreams Of Basketball Started To Fade!

I made the team in my junior year at Pius XI primarily because of my reputation. The coaches knew about me in previous years. It was sad that I had thrown away my love for basketball. Unfortunately, in my sophomore summer, I got involved heavily with alcohol and drugs to the point they became my god and overtook my life the way I was hoping it would be.
My love for basketball was almost like a god, but now I enjoy watching the game as a fan! God is now the center of my attention! Thankfully, I became very willing to get help when life seemed to be going nowhere fast. Because of my situation, I became grateful to those who loved me enough to help me start over.

 

Basketball Tree You Have To See For Yourself!

 

Some Specific Scriptures To Encourage You:

2 Timothy 2:5 ESV

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

Proverbs 16:3 ESV 

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV 

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Philippians 4:13 ESV 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

 

 

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