Basketball Testimony 2 Bill Greguska

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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My Basketball Testimony is a story of perseverance, redemption, and passion. It’s incredible to think that someone like me could devote my life so fully to a sport like basketball. From the fourth grade all the way through high school and beyond, I lived and breathed basketball. Even as I got older and the competition faded away, my love for the game remained steadfast. John Wooden once said that “the choices you make in life make you.” I chose to dedicate myself to something I truly loved, until I realized I almost made it my god.

Things took a dark turn when drug and alcohol abuse entered the picture. But even at my lowest point, there was still something special about basketball that kept me going. Through faith in Jesus Christ and sheer determination, Thank be to God, I was able to overcome my addictions and later on tried to become an encouragement for others who may be struggling with similar issues I went through. My Basketball Testimony shows us just how powerful our passions can be if we choose to use them for good instead of letting them lead us astray. ~ 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.

 

 

 

I Have Loved NBA Basketball Since 1971!

 

The God Of Second Chances And Love For Basketball!

Pius High School Basketball Team! NeedEncouragement.com

We all need something to aspire to do, and basketball was that to me! Bill Greguska

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 was 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.

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 to the right path. But after hitting rock bottom, I found solace in Jesus Christ and turned my life around with newfound appreciation for what truly mattered – not just on the court but also off it.

There is an underlying message of hope that encourages others to look beyond their circumstances and find strength in their passion like I did with basketball. 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 leads to success on both sides: personal growth & winning games alike! The fact that other athletes fall prey to similar vices makes one realize how easy it can be to lose sight of what’s important when chasing fame or fortune instead of staying true oneself and God above all else. ~ Bill Greguska.

 

 

 

 

My Junior Year Despite My 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 Were Not Only In My Heart!

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.

When Times Get Difficult, My Love For Basketball Kept Me Going!

My excitment for basketball grew and grew, I always dreamed of playing in the NBA. NeedEncouragement.com

I loved basketball more than anything while growing up!

I thank God that I have learned that when life gets complicated, and you see no way out from the mess we make for ourselves, we need to call on to God, for He is our refuge and strength because He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. A daily walk with God before making a mess of our lives is the wise way to do it. My love for basketball helped me overcome some tough times I got myself into.
Although God loves us and will never leave us if we follow him, I realized I made horrible mistakes growing up. I put alcohol, drugs, other harmful things, and even good things in my life ahead of belief in and core love for God.  I found meaning in life, mostly from my passion for basketball until I was almost 30. When I realized I was using basketball as an idol or minor god, I reevaluated and put my basketball in the proper perspective. I learned not to attempt to handle what the devil and the storms of life deal out because I am not strong enough without God’s help! 
Remember that it says in Romans 8:28 And we know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Find your strength in God, not in yourself.  If you rely on yourself, you are bound to fall flat on your face, but if you trust in the Lord, the Lord will pick you right back up even if you fall. He will never leave you or forsake you! I have made some mistakes as well as I have done some things well. ~ Bill Greguska

 What Is Your Story? 

 

My Love For Basketball Always Had Me Dreaming!

My Testimony In Jesus Christ

I first heard of Jesus Christ when I was a young boy, about seven years old. My parents took me to church every weekend and even put me in a church school to instruct me, which developed some of my faith fundamentals. My faith in God was very frustrating because I learned about what was correct and acceptable, but it was hard for what was correct and acceptable, but it was hard for me to live it out.
Then while growing up, the Lord allowed me multiple difficulties, such as drug and alcohol problems, homelessness, and problems with the law, to ultimately understand how deep of a need I had for God through these challenging times I got myself into.

 

Basketball Was My Carrot My Mom Keeping Me On Track With!

There was a period in my life when I got very serious about my faith because God orchestrated that I would end up in long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation for two years, where I got the needed help.  
I got out of treatment in 1989 and shortly after that. I found Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, which caught my eye through its open basketball program. I had a genuine love for basketball. Basketball was the “carrot” that got me back in church again! Elmbrook took me in and helped me to grow as a Christian under the teaching of Stuart Briscoe and the rest of the staff.  

Harlem Globetrotters Were Always Fun For Me To Watch!

Elmbrook Church

I got a job at Elmbrook church as a custodian for almost five years after I got out of long-term alcohol and drug treatment. The seeds of faith were planted. My roots were getting deeper into what I learned in God’s word over the years. I also attended both NA and AA for about ten years during that time. NA and AA helped me to some degree, but Elmbrook helped me more because it was there that the seeds of faith were planted, and my roots were getting more established by the things I was learning in God’s word over the years. I have had a love for basketball for about the last 50 years!  I attended AA and NA for almost ten years, yet even though it helped me, I found Elmbrook church which caught my eye through their open basketball program.
Basketball got me into the church again in 1989, shortly after I got out of long-term treatment. The church took me in and helped me grow as a Christian under Stuart Briscoe and the rest of the staff.
I even got a job at Elmbrook as a custodian for four years. The seeds of faith were planted. My roots were getting deeper into what I learned in God’s word over the years. The experiences God allowed in my life, good and bad, made me aware of my urgent need for God! The rest of my story is a series of ups and downs. Thank God they have evened out considerably, but because this time, God was in my life, directing me. God was teaching me to love Him, others, and myself.
My born-again faith on June 25, 1986, when I finally gave up drugs and alcohol, gave me a new opportunity to live my life for Jesus Christ.

 

 

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.

Zechariah 8:5 ESV 

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.

Proverbs 25:27 ESV 

It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.

John 5:44 ESV 

How can you believe when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

Luke 1:37 ESV 

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV 

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

1 John 5:21 ESV 

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

 

 

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