ACTIVE FOR CHRIST
inspire unity in Christ through a daily prayer life and an active exercise lifestyle.
FAITH-BASED / ACTIVE EXERCISE COMMUNITY
RESILIENT FAITH CHALLENGE - SIGN UP TODAY
RESILIENT FAITH CHALLENGE - FORM
Week 1
FAITH JOURNEY - by Julian Macias / Boerne, Texas
Its been quite the rollercoaster ride for me over the years with exhilarating highs and traumatic lows. Of course, I dealt with the lows with hope of a quick temporary high to help me through it. I'm sure if I chose to stick with this mind set there would be many more ups and downs to come where I could take control. The key takeaway for me, and as a reminder is "I" and trying to rely on myself only for success. Such a dangerous way to live.
I am grateful to say I exited that up and down rollercoaster lifestyle a long time ago, but it sure did not come easy for me to let go of the temporary highs which I looked forward to and how to deal with the devastating lows, which at times were consecutive. Because of the chaotic journey I chose to live, I dealt with suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, addiction, and so much destructive behavior and thoughts. Here's the good news: We all have an opportunity to change and we should pray about how God can help us through our journey. When we invite the Lord in to our hearts, all things become new including letting the Lord take control and relying completely on Him..wholeheartedly! It's incredible how He gives us a way out of a miserable and chaotic lifestyle to a life of FREEDOM and RESILIENT FAITH! I cannot encourage you enough, if you haven't already, to allow Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. It will truly equip you to stand firm in faith with the strength and grace of the Lord.
One thing that I learned over the years, is the importance of building up faith at all times. Inevitably we will have times of despair, division, destruction and depression. How do you deal with these issues?
The Word of God gives us the hope we need to persevere over these challenging times and by reading the Word and studying it we can overcome anything that is thrown our way. Some learn the hard way (myself included) and some figure things out pretty fast. We must realize that we cannot and should not want to handle tribulations on our own. We need the strength and power of our Lord to help us through our times of weariness and build resilient faith.
Will you seek the Lord in prayer this week that He shows you direction, gives you wisdom and the strength you need to build up your faith in Him and stand strong in faith?
Read the scriptures daily and mediate on them throughout the day and on your exercise time this week.
God bless you.
Spiritual Challenge
PRAYERS TO MEDITATE ON THIS WEEK
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
EXERCISE CHALLENGE:
Run, walk or cycle for a total of one hour this week meditating on the scriptures discussed on this page. As always, send us praise reports on how this challenge has blessed you or prayer requests you may have so we can stand with you in faith.
WEEK 2
Testimony by Sarah Mullins / Georgia
Allow us to introduce you to our long-time supporter and prayer warrior,
Sarah Mullins. As one of our Ambassadors, we are grateful for her prayers
and encouragement over the years.
Join us as you learn more about Sarah and her quest to put Jesus first in her life
and inspiring her family to do the same. Sarah shares on the importance of praying
for one another and how she manages her type-one diabetes by running
to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sarah's Life Verse - Jeremiah 29:11
Sarah is supporting Active for Christ as an Ambassador from the U.S. state of Georgia.
Sarah's Testimony:
I started running as a way to stay in shape after my oldest was born. As my kids got older I incorporated them into my runs with the stroller and eventually they started running and riding bikes while I ran. A few years ago I started praying while I ran. I run in my neighborhood a lot and use the time to pray for my neighbors.
A few years ago I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Running has helped me keep my blood sugar level and stay healthy. Trail running is my favorite type of running because I love being on trails spending time talking to God. I have run half’s, 50ks and a 50 mile trail run and more recently completed two 100 milers!
The Power of Prayer:
What we highly admire about Sarah's spiritual journey is her diligence in praying for others. Sarah uses her Instagram to ask for prayer requests each morning and over the years she has been blessed with many prayer requests and praying for others. At Active for Christ, we also ask for prayer requests and its a blessing to know that there are so many others interceding and praying for one another, including Sarah.
Spiritual Challenge
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON THIS WEEK
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
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. Jeremiah 29:11
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
EXERCISE CHALLENGE:
Run, walk or cycle for a total of one hour this week meditating on the scriptures discussed on this page. As always, send us praise reports on how this challenge has blessed you or prayer requests you may have so we can stand with you in faith.
Week 3
RESILIENT FAITH CHALLENGE
This week we focus on the primary scripture to our challenge and discuss the importance
of fighting against the difficult challenges that we face daily. There is so much we can
proactively do to take action and fight the good fight of faith!
How do you stay resilient in your faith journey? In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 the apostle Paul shares
about the hardships we will face as we share the GOSPEL message. What keeps you strong
in your faith walk, knowing we will have to deal with challenges, and at times devastating
circumstances? Jesus and the Word of God give us ALL the strength, peace and joy we
need to persevere. The Lord loves us more than we’ll ever know. Let’s persevere together
running His race, whether in physical exercise or your spiritual journey. God bless!
How do you FIGHT?
The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
When you put on the Armor of God you are preparing for battle. Not just any ordinary battle, but an intense spiritual war. Daily we must remember to ARMOR UP!
We encourage you to read this scripture often and for this challenge, read and recite daily and pray over your loved ones. We must remember to fight for each other.
Spiritual Challenge
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON THIS WEEK
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
..Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 MSG
EXERCISE CHALLENGE:
Run, walk or cycle for a total of one hour this week meditating on the scriptures discussed on this page. As always, send us praise reports on how this challenge has blessed you or prayer requests you may have so we can stand with you in faith.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
WEEK 4
Testimony by
Elizabeth Miller /
Germany
Allow us to introduce you to our friend in Christ, Elizabeth Miller, AKA Coach Elizabeth with Endurance 4 You. We have met Elizabeth's amazing family and what a blessing they have been to us over the last few years. You may recognize, Coach Elizabeth from Coach's Corner on the Active for Christ Website. Read about her powerful testimony in which we are honored to share. It will absolutely bless you and remind you of what an awesome God we are blessed to serve, worship and praise daily.
LIFE VERSE:
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Read more about her mission and services on
Elizabeth and her family support Active for Christ from across the ocean in Germany!
Faith-Based Virtual Christian Run Coach
Coach Elizabeth is a faith-based virtual Christian run coach and is the founder of Endurance 4 You which was established in 2018 as a blog about faith, family and marathon training. Elizabeth completed her RRCA Level II certification in 2023 and now helps others keep their focus on Him while pursuing their running goals.
Elizabeth's Story
Resilient Faith
I grew up knowing about God. I had the head knowledge, but I wasn't living my life for Him. When I was 21, attending Baylor University and about to embark to New York to do the Baylor in New York program, I took one test that changed the path of my life. Two pink lines showed that my Baylor in New York plans would change.
After taking 7 tests and going to a pregnancy clinic, I finally believed I was going to become a mom. This was probably the first time I had opened my Bible to read God's word for myself.
I grew up reading Bible stories at church, but never opened the Bible on my own. Jeremiah 29:11, was the verse I randomly opened to, which we all know there isn't anything random to God. He purposely uses His word to speak to us.
"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." - Jer. 29:11
After reading Jeremiah 29:11, I felt reassured that the Lord was with me. No matter what the path looked like, I knew my baby and I would be okay. Throughout that year, He continued to guide me step by step, revealing His plans for both of us. His provision showed up in so many unexpected ways; professors extending support (even though it was rare to see an unwed mother at Baylor), the Baylor in New York professor refunding my nonrefundable payment because he felt the Lord prompting him (he had no idea I was pregnant until I emailed him "Thank You" a few years ago), my internship manager blessing me with a bonus, and the doctor’s office who I wanted to have my pregnancy care with telling me they had a spot open up to take me as a patient, after they had told me they were full.
God was using people in my path to show His goodness and His faithfulness. His plans for good, and to help me prosper.
I didn't realize this would begin my testimony of giving my life to Jesus. At 21, that year was the hardest year I had experienced in life, so far. It was a pivotal moment for me, and it taught me to lean on God in ways I hadn't done before. I did my best not to allow shame to define me, but to be immersed in God's word and who He said I was.
I have learned that God's word and His nearness will get us through any challenges in life.
We have to intentionally seek Him not just in the hard times, but in the good times too. It's during the daily time we have with the Lord that builds our foundation, so when the trials of life come, we can endure because we already know who to cling to.
I cannot stress enough the importance of reading God's word and drawing near to Him. One reason I love being a running coach is to teach my athletes how to do this during their running, so running doesn't just grow them physically but becomes a tool they can use for spiritual growth with the Lord.
The day I graduated, I went
back to the seat I sat in in
one of my classes
with my son.
Exercise Challenge
Ask the Lord to speak to you a Bible verse He wants you to work on memorizing. Choose 1 or 2 walks or runs this week to dedicate to memorizing that verse. Write it on your hand, a note card, or put it in your phone, whichever way will help you recite it.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Make sure to tune in to the next Running His Race
Podcast found on Spotify or Apple Music.
This wonderful podcast encourages
you to keep God at the center of all your runs.
Spiritual Challenge
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON THIS WEEK
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God Ephesians 2:8
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. Proverbs 3:5-6
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.. Galatians 6:9
Current picture of my son and I. Soon he will be graduating
WEEK 5
RESILIENT FAITH CHALLENGE
This week we focus on having confidence and unshakable faith. The following testimony written is by one of our supporters from Missouri. Our brother in Christ shares a genuine and heartfelt message that you will absolutey relate to and be inspired. He has been a huge blessing to us and we are grateful for his prayers and encouragement toward us here at Active for Christ and to many in the A4C community. We met our friend through the running app, Strava. We hope you are very blessed by this wonderful article.
TESTIMONY OF RESILIENT FAITH
Reflecting on my life journey, I realize it’s been far from a smooth, well-lit, or marked path. Instead, it’s been a challenging and rocky course, with sections shrouded in darkness and rain. There have been moments when I thought I was making progress, only to discover I’d taken a sharp drop-off. Despite the difficulties, I’ve never felt alone in my faith. Instead, I find comfort in knowing God was faithfully present with me every step of the way—during the uphills, the downhills, the rain-soaked and rocky trail.
I’ve made many choices in my life that have taken me away from God. Some of those choices I’m still dealing with today. Those demons from the past know how to strike at the right time. It’s so easy to give into the lies that tell us we’re not good enough, not worthy to praise Him, can’t have joy, are bad fathers, bad husbands, and so on. But here’s the thing: those are lies, just that—lies. I can spend hours thinking about the “why” and “what ifs,” but it’s during those times that the lies can be so loud and focus taken off the true love of our Father.
I’m always fascinated by the following story. It’s so relatable and simply shows the peace that Jesus can bring.
“As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind. But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” -
Mark 4:35-41 NLT
Our race of life will undoubtedly be filled with trials and challenges that will test our strength and faith. And yes, some of these trials may be self-induced. Perhaps we rushed into the race too quickly, not allowing for proper training, neglected proper nutrition, or overlooked crucial course markers, adding more miles on. Regardless of the struggles we face, we can find hope. Don’t miss the pivotal moment in this story when Jesus declared, “Let’s cross the lake to the other side.” This statement, a promise, is a beacon of light in the midst of the storm. Jesus didn’t instruct them to just hop into a boat and determine their own destination. No, instead, He is right there with them, in the heart of the storm. So, while the path may look dark and stormy, we can rest assured that He will guide us to safety.
The more miles I’ve covered, the more I can’t help but express my gratitude
for His unwavering pursuit of me. My faith may not always be strong, but I
can find solace in knowing that He is faithful, right in the midst of the storm.
Reach out to Him today, and you will find your way to safety with Jesus.
RUN AND PRAY!
Strive to deepen your faith by holding yourself and others accountable through prayer
and consistent encouragement.
Spiritual Challenge
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON THIS WEEK
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
“Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10
EXERCISE CHALLENGE:
Run, walk or cycle for a total of one hour this week meditating on the scriptures discussed on this page. As always, send us praise reports on how this challenge has blessed you or prayer requests you may have so we can stand with you in faith.
WEEK 6
RESILIENT FAITH CHALLENGE
RUNREV COACHING - Outrunning grief and depression
Gerald founded RunRev Coaching in 2023 in Southwest Ohio and serves individuals locally
and remotely around the globe. What started in January 2023 as a way to give back to the
running community has become a mission to help others rise above grief, depression, and
the everyday mental battles we all face.
It is a place where faith, community, and mindset come together to help you breathe again,
hope again, and take the next right step both on the road and in life. Through the five pillars
of Faith, Mental Health, Community, Mindset, and Race Readiness, the coaching philosophy
is to support the whole person, not just the athlete
Whether you're in Southwest Ohio and want to meet in person, or you're joining virtually from
anywhere in the world, there is a place for you at RunRev Coaching. New runner or seasoned
veteran, you do not have to take this journey alone. We grow stronger together.
Gerald's Story
Resilient Faith
Matthew 14:28-31 MSG
Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand....
I was blessed to grow up with a faith that was lived out daily in the lives of my parents. Even when my father lost his job for over 3 years, I watched my father trust that God would provide for us. And provide for us He did. I can't remember my family ever missing one meal. We were blessed.
Then in 2015 I lost my father to lung cancer. He had taught me well and my faith was strong. My father was also my safety net. It was then that I had to learn to fully trust my heavenly father.
Along the way, like Peter I struggled when I got my eyes off God and focused on the troubles around me instead. I found myself struggling with the waves of anxiety and doubt. I was going under until I focused my attention back on God who was quick to grab me
and let me know He truly was with me.
We hear the term to "run your own race" when running the physical races. The principle is to not focus on everyone around us but to instead focus on our goals and our plans.
The same is true in the race of life. We need to keep our focus on our spiritual coach, God, and run the race He has planned for us and to not worry about what everyone else is doing.
How have you lost the focus in your race? I encourage you today to spend some time with God and regain your heavenly focus today.
Article contributed by Gerald Collins
Spiritual Challenge
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON THIS WEEK
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
