When God Changes the Game

As the school year comes to a close, it feels fitting to end with a story that beautifully reflects what God has been doing in the hearts of our students all year long. It’s a story about surrender, obedience, and trusting God even when His plans look different than our own.

For Eli Stone, basketball had always been part of the plan.

Like many athletes, Eli poured countless hours into the game he loved. Practices, workouts, competition, and the pursuit of playing at the next level shaped much of his high school journey. But somewhere along the way, God began stirring something deeper in his heart,  something bigger than a sport, bigger than personal goals, and bigger than temporary success.

“The moment I started to realize change was going into my senior season,” Eli shared. “Basketball was all I was pretty much focusing on, and it hit me that basketball wasn’t the right thing to chase in my life.”

But that realization did not come overnight.

Eli says the first seeds were planted during his very first IMPACT trip with Cornerstone. 

Traveling to North Carolina with Mrs. and Mr. Vehrs, he learned about the life and ministry of Billy Graham. At the time, he knew very little about the world-renowned evangelist, but hearing how God used one man’s obedience to impact millions left a lasting mark on him.

“My mind started to race,” Eli said. “I wanted to chase the Lord more than what I already was doing. I wanted to find a place where I could do the same.”

What began as a simple mission trip slowly transformed into a calling.

As his senior year unfolded, Eli began sensing that God was asking him to loosen his grip on the future he had imagined for himself. Instead of pursuing basketball after graduation, he felt led toward missions and ministry.  

Learning to Surrender and Listen 

For many students, walking away from something they worked so hard for might feel like failure. But Eli does not see it that way. 

“I don’t feel like I quit or gave up on the sport I loved,” he explained. “I felt accomplished in what I did and met the goals I thrived to reach. I was content in my accomplishments and what God allowed me to do in my life.”

That contentment came through learning one important lesson: obedience.

“The main thing God has taught me is to listen and be obedient,” Eli shared. “We are always talking and asking the Lord for things, but sometimes we don’t stop and listen to what He is trying to tell us.”

Even through basketball, God was preparing Eli for something greater. He credits coaches like Coach Carlos and Coach Matt not only for developing him as a player, but for helping shape his faith. Through team Bible studies, leadership opportunities, and learning how to encourage others, Eli began developing skills that would later serve him in ministry.

Stepping Into the Unknown 

This summer, before attending Kennesaw State to major in Finance, Eli will spend five weeks serving with Praying Pelican Missions, an organization familiar to many Cornerstone families through IMPACT trips. His journey will take him to Washington D.C., North Carolina, and Pittsburgh as he steps into this next chapter of serving others and sharing Christ.

“What excites me the most is being able to serve the Lord in a way I love doing,” he said.

Of course, stepping into the unknown also comes with fears. Eli quickly admits one thing he is definitely not looking forward to:

“Going on a plane by myself,” he laughed. “I hate planes!”

But fear has not been greater than his faith.

Eli says Cornerstone played a major role in preparing him for this season through the many IMPACT experiences that challenged him to step outside his comfort zone and into service. More than anything, those opportunities helped him discover that ministry is not confined to a classroom, a church building, or even a specific career path. Ministry happens wherever God sends willing hearts.

When asked what he would say to someone who feels God calling them somewhere unexpected, Eli offered wisdom far beyond his years: 

“Don’t rush what God is calling you to do. Make sure you are listening to what He is telling you. Being obedient to what He says is going to help you figure out what to do in that chapter of your life.”

As Cornerstone closes another school year, Eli’s story reminds us of a truth we all need to hear: God’s plans are always greater than our own. Sometimes the dream we thought we wanted most is simply preparation for the calling God had planned all along.