Allan Houston, former American professional basketball player, relayed how the game of Basketball Led Him to a real and better relationship with Jesus Christ.
Houston, in a recording made by The Gospel Light Minute, speaks of his faith and belief in Jesus Christ. He revealed how he thought being a good person was enough for God, until November 7 1997 when he dedicated his life to Christ. He is a retired basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1993 to 2005. As a shooting guard, Houston played nine seasons for the New Knicks; he was a member of the Knicks’ 1999 NBA finals team. Houston made the NBA All-Star Team twice and also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. men’s basketball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
As of July 2019, Houston serves as special assistant to the general manager for the New York Knicks and general manager of the Knicks’ G League team, the Westchester Knicks.
The legendary basketballer speaks of his faith in Christ, he said; “I learned to walk on a basketball court. From an early age, basketball was everything to me. Growing up, I had faith, but I thought being a good person was “enough” for God. I stayed out of trouble, got decent grades, and followed my conscience. Looking back, I now know that deep down in my heart I wanted a personal relationship with God, but I didn’t know how to get it.
“As I said, growing up I loved basketball but I never guessed that it would be basketball that would help me find that relationship with the Lord I had been longing for. I look back now and know that it was God working in my life all along. God used basketball and what it brought to my life to lead me to a strong relationship with him. After I signed with the Knicks, I had some weighty conversations with my cousin, who is like a spiritual brother to me. During one conversation it hit me – I am a basketball star because of the ability God has given me. I knew then that God had given me this gift for a reason and I started to think about the impact I could make as a professional athlete spreading the word of God.”
“I will never forget November 17, 1997. On that night of prayer, I dedicated my life to Christ. My relationship with God has continued to grow stronger and deeper. When you keep filling your heart with God and meditating on the Word, things come to fruition. At times, it feels like my heart just overflows with blessings. I’ve worked hard, but it is by God’s grace that I have been put in this position. God gives me so much strength and love that I want to make sure people know about the peace He can bring to our lives.”
“Being a Christian and a professional athlete many times requires us to take the less popular road, the road that people sometimes don’t understand. But I find joy and strength in knowing that I am fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. So I encourage you to take the step toward the peace, joy and purpose you want from life – take the step and dedicate your life to Christ. There isn’t anything or anyone who can fill your life with joy and peace like Christ. Wherever you are or whatever situation you are in, Jesus can take care of it. He will turn your dust to diamonds. You just have to trust him and allow him to take over your heart and soul. He has already made the first step when he died on the cross…all you need to do is take the next – and most important – step towards him and his wonderful salvation.”
