Trish’s Encouragement from Sophia Tran’s Story
Date: March 18, 2025
Location: Columbia Community Church, Columbia, MD
Opening Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, we come before You tonight with open hearts and minds, seeking Your wisdom, Your encouragement, and Your guidance. We thank You for bringing us together as a church family and for the opportunity to be uplifted by Your word. Bless our time together, and may the message tonight inspire us to walk in faith, trust Your plan, and remember that You are always working behind the scenes for our good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Trish’s Message:
“Good evening, everyone. It is such a blessing to gather together in the house of the Lord tonight. As I was preparing to speak, God placed a story on my heart—one that speaks to perseverance, trust, and uncovering the blessings that may be hidden in our past. It is the story of a young woman named Sophia Tran, who grew up right here in Columbia, Maryland.
Sophia was a high school junior, passionate about fencing. She had been training for years with one goal in mind: to earn a scholarship to a prestigious college. She worked tirelessly, dedicating countless hours to her craft, honing her skills, and dreaming of the future she believed she was meant to have.
But then, something unexpected happened. A new coach arrived at her club—his name was Victor Moreau. He was different from the other coaches Sophia had known. He pushed her in ways that no one else had. He challenged her to rethink everything she thought she knew about fencing, about strategy, and even about herself. And as they worked together, Sophia felt a strange sense of familiarity. Something about Coach Moreau stirred memories deep within her, though she couldn’t quite place why.
Then, one day, Sophia made a discovery that would change everything. She learned that Victor Moreau had once been a student of her late grandfather—a man she had only known through old photos and a few stories. Her grandfather had been an Olympic fencer, a legend in his time, but he had never spoken much about his past. And now, here was Victor, someone who had been deeply shaped by her grandfather’s teachings, standing before her and carrying forward a legacy she never even knew existed.
Sophia could have ignored this discovery. She could have continued to focus only on herself and her personal ambitions. But instead, she leaned into it. She began to ask questions, to learn more about her grandfather’s past, and to understand the hidden history of her own family. And as she did, she uncovered a truth that shook her to her core: Her grandfather had once been on track to win Olympic gold, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he had walked away from the sport entirely. However, even though he never returned to competition, he never stopped passing on his knowledge, training students like Victor, who in turn was now training her.
What does this tell us, church? It tells us that God’s plans are bigger than our own. We may think we understand our path, but God is working in ways we can’t always see. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.’
Sophia thought fencing was just about earning a scholarship, but God had a deeper purpose for her gift. He was connecting generations, revealing a legacy, and showing her that her talents were not just for personal gain but to honor those who came before her and those who would come after her. Isn’t that what faith is about? Seeing beyond what is in front of us and trusting that God is doing something greater.
Tonight, I want to encourage you with this: There may be things in your life right now that seem uncertain. You may feel like you are working toward something, but the path is changing in ways you don’t understand. Maybe you are questioning why certain doors are closing or why new challenges are arising. But let me tell you, God is not just writing your story—He is connecting it to something greater than you can imagine.
Think about Columbia, Maryland. This city was planned and designed to be a place where families and businesses could thrive. It was built with intention. And look at it now—Columbia has grown into one of the most livable places in the country, filled with opportunities, beauty, and community. In the same way, God is planning your life with intention. He sees beyond the moment you are in right now. He is shaping your story to bless you and to bless others through you.
So, I ask you tonight—what legacy are you carrying forward? What hidden blessings is God waiting to reveal in your life? Maybe there are family stories, old dreams, or forgotten callings that God is bringing back to the surface. Maybe, like Sophia, you are on the brink of a discovery that will reshape how you see yourself and your purpose.
Let us not be discouraged by what we don’t yet understand. Let us walk forward in faith, knowing that God is always at work. He is training us, preparing us, and placing us exactly where we need to be.
Closing Scripture and Prayer:
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.’
‘Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminder that You are always at work in our lives. We thank You for the hidden blessings, the lessons, and the legacy that You are weaving together for our good. Help us to trust in Your plans, to walk in faith, and to embrace the journey even when we do not understand it. May we be lights in this world, passing on the faith, wisdom, and love You have placed in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.’
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