The Built Different Podcast-Finding Joy in Other’s Success with former Abilene Christian University Basketball Player, Paul Hiepler, Ep. 025

Paul Hiepler is a former basketball player from Abilene Christian University. Paul was a standout high school player who came to college with every dream and aspiration to be the leader of the ACU basketball team by putting up incredible stats and hitting big time game winning shots to send his team dancing in the March Madness tournament. Unfortunately, Paul never got the amount of playing time he probably would have liked or dreamt of during his collegiate basketball career. But instead of moping or wallowing in self-pity, Paul decided to keep working hard and become the BEST TEAMMATE possible! Little did Paul know, the Lord was intervening on his behalf and was working behind closed doors all along.

 As Abilene Christian University upset the University of Texas in the first round of this year’s March Madness Basketball Tournament, Paul Hiepler didn’t play a minute, but he was the most excited and energetic player on the court the entire night, even from the sidelines. You see, Paul is the type of person who didn’t let playing time define who he was. Paul completely found his identity in Christ which propelled him into the moment God was preparing him for. Noted by ESPN as being “The Player Every Team Needs,” Paul Hiepler became an overnight sensation. The picture of his “Horns Down” symbol instantly went viral and got his name all over social media. Immediately interviews on podcasts just like this came flooding in and Paul was able to spread the light and the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s amazing how when you make the choice to control the controllables and you choose to have an attitude of gratitude how far it can take you. Nancy Leigh Demoss says it like this, “In every situation that is thrown my way, I am given one of two options… I can either whine or I can worship. And it’s impossible to worship without giving thanks.” My prayer is that this episode challenges you to choose WORSHIP and JOY like Paul did in every and all circumstances that may come your way. 

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