March 10, 2025
Guest Speaker: Allison
On the evening of March 10, 2025, the Bethesda Community Church gathered for their annual conference. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as believers from different walks of life came together to hear a word of encouragement. This year’s guest speaker, Allison, had a powerful message to share, one that resonated deeply with both the young and the old.
As she stepped onto the stage, Allison smiled warmly at the congregation. “I want to share a story with you tonight,” she began. “A story of perseverance, faith, and trusting in God’s perfect plan.”
She took a deep breath and continued.
Mia, a young woman from right here in Bethesda, Maryland, grew up in a house filled with competition and encouragement. With three older brothers, she quickly learned how to hold her own in the world of sports. Basketball became her passion, not just because she was naturally talented but because her family supported her. Her father, a former basketball coach, took great pride in training her. He believed she had the potential to play professionally, and he poured his knowledge into her every chance he got.
But one day, Mia stumbled across something new—mixed martial arts. She was drawn to the discipline, the challenge, and the strength it demanded. She admired the mental toughness and strategy required, much like basketball but with a different intensity. Suddenly, a question formed in her heart: “Am I meant to follow the path my family expects, or is God calling me to something else?”
Her father, upon hearing of her interest in MMA, was hesitant. “Mia, basketball is where you shine. You have a future in it.”
“But Dad,” Mia replied, “I want to see what else I’m capable of. I want to challenge myself.”
It was a difficult decision. Mia didn’t want to disappoint her father, but something about MMA intrigued her. So, with determination, she trained for both sports, balancing early morning basketball drills with late-night MMA sessions.
For six months, she pushed herself harder than ever before. She prayed for guidance, asking God to reveal His will. There were days she felt exhausted, unsure if she was making the right choice. But through it all, she held onto the promise in Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
One evening, after an intense training session, Mia sat alone on the court, the sound of a bouncing basketball echoing through the empty gym. As she dribbled, she realized something—her heart still belonged to basketball. While she enjoyed MMA, it wasn’t where she truly thrived. The thrill of guiding a team, the way the game connected people, the lessons of teamwork and leadership—those were the things she loved most.
So, she made her decision. She would return fully to basketball.
With renewed purpose, Mia focused on coaching. She took on a local youth team, determined to give back to the next generation of players. Under her leadership, the team flourished, and before long, they found themselves competing in the state championship.
Then came the twist no one expected.
On the night of the final game, as Mia stood courtside, giving her team last-minute encouragement, she noticed a familiar face among the opposing team’s coaches. It was one of her former MMA opponents.
The two locked eyes, sharing a knowing smile.
After the game—a victory for Mia’s team—the opposing coach approached her. “You chose basketball,” she said. “But you never lost your fighter’s spirit.”
Mia laughed. “I guess I just fight differently now.”
The two engaged in a playful, respectful face-off—a nod to the paths they had both chosen. The moment was lighthearted but carried a powerful message: Our journeys may take us in different directions, but God’s plan is always greater than our own.
As Allison finished the story, the church was silent for a moment, reflecting on Mia’s journey. Then, a wave of applause and “Amen”s filled the sanctuary.
“My friends,” Allison continued, “this story isn’t just about basketball or MMA. It’s about listening to God’s call. It’s about fighting the good fight of faith.”
She opened her Bible and read from 1 Timothy 6:12:
“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”
“Some of you may be standing at a crossroads like Mia was,” Allison said. “You may be wondering if you should follow the path expected of you or if God is leading you somewhere new. Let me remind you—the Lord is your strength and your shield. He will guide you.”
She read from Psalm 28:7:
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.”
That night, many in the congregation felt renewed in their faith. Some young athletes were inspired to trust in God’s plan for their careers. Others who had been struggling with life decisions felt peace knowing that, just like Mia, they could rely on the Lord for direction.
Before closing, Allison left them with a final thought.
“God’s plan for you is greater than anything you could imagine. When you trust Him, even when the road seems uncertain, He will lead you exactly where you need to be.”
The Bethesda Church Conference ended with a powerful time of prayer, and many left feeling strengthened and encouraged. Mia’s story, though just one among many, served as a reminder that faith, perseverance, and trusting in God’s plan will always lead to victory.
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