Finding Peace in the Midst of Trials: Andrea Busby’s Journey of Faith
In a heartfelt episode of the Untitled Podcast aired on February 12, 2025, host Sarah Rose had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea Busby, a remarkable woman whose testimony deeply resonates with anyone navigating the peaks and valleys of life. As a horse breeder and barrel racer based in Texas, Andrea's life is intertwined with her love for horses, a passion that eventually shaped her spirituality and relationship with God.
From Wyoming Roots to a Texas Life
Andrea's journey began in the wide-open plains of Wyoming, where she cultivated her love for horses on her family’s ranch. Despite her down-to-earth beginnings, life took her to Texas following her marriage to Jeff Busby in 2010, where they both built a life centered around their shared love for rodeo and horse breeding. Andrea jockeys for barrels while Jeff ropes, all while managing a breeding operation and helping run Jeff's aerospace business. When Sarah asked Andrea if she ever imagined her life would turn out this way, Andrea reflected on the simple joys of her childhood surrounded by horses. That innocent eight-year-old girl would never have dreamed that horses would become not just a sport but a profound connection to her faith.
The Pain that Led to Transformation
However, Andrea's life took a harrowing turn in late 2016. What began as the loss of her beloved horse, Sky, was soon compounded by the death of her dog and the shocking diagnosis of Jeff’s throat cancer. The emotional toll she experienced during this whirlwind of grief and fear caused her to examine her relationship with God more closely. Growing up in a devout Catholic family, Andrea had always known of Jesus but didn’t truly understand what it meant to have a personal relationship with Him until much later. Through the dark times, she began to experience a transformation—a shift that would strengthen her faith and ultimately lead her back to God. Andrea described a pivotal moment at the rodeo in San Antonio when, amidst the chaos, she simply wanted to turn away from everything. It was then that she reached out to a Christian couple who had been instrumental in guiding her through tough times, providing both spiritual support and practical wisdom. In her darkest hour, when she cried out to God in her closet, she experienced a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit, marking a true turning point in her faith journey.
Surrendering Control and Finding Peace
One of the central themes of Andrea's story is surrender—particularly the surrender of control, a challenge for many. In the hospital, while Jeff fought for his life, she found herself at a breaking point. It was here that she finally surrendered none other than her will and control to God. This moment not only brought peace to her heart but paved the way for a powerful revelation about healing. While initially praying for Jeff’s physical healing, it became abundantly clear that God had a different plan—one which included both physical and spiritual healing. Interestingly, Andrea noted that the lessons they learned through this harrowing experience transformed her perspective on what it means to truly trust God.
Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
Andrea emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in nurturing one’s spiritual journey. She credits her husband Jeff and their small church group for teaching her how to pray and lean on others. Their spiritual guidance has been instrumental in her growth, proving that God's blessings often come through the people He places in our lives. She passionately expressed how vital it is to surround oneself with individuals who can lift you up during challenging times, and how she strives to do the same for others. This back-and-forth support strengthens their faith and builds a community where everyone walks through life together.
Embracing the Journey
As the podcast reached its finale, Andrea reminded us that life is a journey—a beautiful, messy, and often challenging journey. Each step teaches something valuable, and our identity must be firmly rooted in who we are before God, rather than what we achieve. Andrea’s story serves as a powerful reminder: life’s trials shape us, but they also lead us closer to understanding and experiencing God’s love. As she continues to barrel race, breed horses, and support her husband, the driving force remains her relationship with Jesus. She openly encourages anyone feeling lost or burdened to seek that connection—it’s a journey worth taking. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you don’t have to do it on your own.
Like Andrea, lean on those who share your faith, surround yourself with uplifting community, and most importantly, trust in the truth that God loves you fiercely—all you need to do is take the first step toward Him.