Saved.Loved.Redeemed.

I admit, I am a bit disappointed of the outcome of the game. I am a die-hard fan of the team and seeing them being beaten by the opponent is heartbreaking for me, for us fans. I’ve seen them struggled at the start of the tournament however they bounced back and was able to book their ticket to the finals. A true never-say-die team. They fought with all they have just to get a win and seeing them like this - ugh I just can’t pick the right words to describe my disappointment. However despite the loss, I still believe that there’s a reason for this. They did not lose the first game for nothing. Actually, I am happy with the team right now. I’ve seen how these players changed. I’ve seen their passion and great desire to give the fans a great game and also to give their all in order to glorify God. It’s amazing how the Word begins to penetrate the hearts of each player in the team. I believe that where they are right now is because of the Work of God. Their being bold in their faith in God allows Him to display His Power and Sovereignty in their games. A lot of people has something to say with their seems-to-be-impossible-bounced-back wins. These people are in disbelief of their accomplishments because they do not understand that there’s a Big Hand leading them towards every victory they have. It really shows that when you commit everything into God’s hands surely good things or should I say the best things will follow you. I believe God honors the heart of these players who believe that without Him enabling them and giving them enough strength and skills to do well in each game, a victory will not be possible. But if it’s God who’s allowing them to achieve this state and win games, then why does this big loss in a very crucial game happened? I believe that this is to teach them to never be complacent. Beating ROS and TnT is really a tough thing to do. These two teams are really capable to win a championship and were able to prove it in the past but Ginebra was able to cut them out of the race for the championship. And I bet if this happens to anyone, you will really gain confidence or should I say too much confidence on yourself and on the team. It was not an easy duty to take them down since Ginebra has to win back-to-back do-or-die games in order to advance. Therefore, being able to do so not only once but twice will really get into their hearts and minds that the team is really that good. And I think this is what brought them the loss. The commentator said that Ginebra entered the game sloppy and that they are already happy just by being in the finals. There is no fire in their faces because they seemed to be contented on what they have achieved. This attitude of the team caused them to be already down big at the first 12 minutes of the game. They were too confident of what they already have achieved and they thought that they prepared enough against the opponent but that’s where they were wrong. Our complacency is the opponent’s best weapon against us. Complacency leads to too much confidence. Too much confidence leads to lack in preparations. And lack in preparation allows the opponent to maximize the hole in you and the next thing you’ll know is that you were already taken down. For me, I believe that no matter what accomplishments or victories you have in life, you should never be confident in yourself. Instead, you should put your confidence in Him who is the Author and Finisher of our Faith. You may have succeed in the past but the situation now is a different one. You cannot always rely on your past methods to bring you through your new battles. No matter how repetitive the situations in your life are, there will always be something different from it that will require you to change your approach. I believe Ginebra thought that the antidote they came up with against ROS and TnT is enough to stop their new opponent Alaska but they were proven wrong. This is a completely new battle and they have to prepare as hard as they did with their previous series with other teams. If you want to win a battle, there is no room for complacency. Apart from their need to change their game plan and prepare well for their next game against Alaska, I believe that they should refocus their confidence in Jesus who brought them their victories in the past. There is no other rock whom you can put your trust on apart from Jesus. He will never fail you nor forsake you. And as long as He is on your side, I believe nothing will ever be victorious over you. After all the preparations the team should make, they should fight with their all on the court. Expect the opponent to give their best to shut you down but you should never give in to them. As long as there’s time left, there is still a chance for you to succeed. By the look of the Ginebra players’ faces while the Aces are enjoying a humongous lead, it seems that they already gave up early in the game. They were shocked by the sudden and sharp attack of the Aces that they seem to not know what to do in order to stop them. Only a few was able to bring their game faces on and retaliate against the attacks of the other team. All the others seem to accept defeat early in the game.   This is not a true champion’s attitude and they should change it if they really wanted to have a hold on the championship trophy. Likewise in life, the enemy is always on attack mode. When the enemy caught you off guard, he will try to beat you out until you surrender to him. But you should never give in, learn to compose yourself and fight back. You are destined to be a victor. You should never accept defeat that easy. As long as you haven’t given your all on the table, you have no right to give up. True champions never quit. They may fall but they will always find a way to bounce back and stand up again. 

Sorry for the lengthy blog entry. It has been quite a while since I made my last blog so bear with me. Anyway, I believe that these kind of simple situations can make us realize a lot of things if we will just think hard. 

i think imma write again some time soon. i’m excited to share my thoughts and inspire people with my life experiences. :)