From Nursing to Horse Training
Christi Durfey shared her story, starting from her upbringing in Missouri and Iowa to her academic pursuit at Kansas State University, where she earned a degree in Animal Science. While her original path seemed to lead towards veterinary school, her heart longed for the freedom and passion of working with horses. After spending seven years as a registered nurse, Christi took a leap of faith in 2016, leaving her steady job to pursue her dream of training horses full-time. “This transition was scary at first,” Christi admitted. “I had to rely heavily on prayer and trust that God was leading me in the right direction. But in the end, it was completely worth it.
Faith Through Trials
Christi's faith was tested during turbulent times when she had to navigate personal and financial struggles. She recalls a period in her early 30s of great bitterness, but through prayer, she committed to choosing joy each day. “Losing our home and navigating significant life changes was incredibly difficult, but I believe those experiences were God’s way of pushing me toward a greater purpose,” she reflected. Her ownership of these experiences has allowed her to break generational patterns in her family, especially for her children. “I want my kids to see that they have choices and can create their own paths with God as their foundation,” Christi said.
Invested in Others’ Journeys
What stood out to me during our conversation was Christi’s commitment not only to her journey but also to the journeys of others. She shared an inspiring story of how she was led to pray with two young women at a barrel racing event. “I felt that God was calling me to pray for their safety. One of the girls mentioned she had never prayed before, and by the end of our time together, she expressed a desire to be baptized.” This simple act of obedience led to an incredible transformation in someone else's life. Christi embodies the principle that we are vessels for God, meant to share His love and encouragement with others, regardless of circumstances.
Obedience and Purpose
One of the takeaways from our conversation was Christi’s emphasis on prayer and seeking guidance from God. She practices something she calls “assignments,” where she asks God each day to show her who she needs to reach. This openness allows her to be prepared for unexpected divine encounters, reinforcing her belief that everyone has the potential to impact others positively.“There’s someone out there waiting for you to fulfill your purpose,” Christi powerfully noted. “We all have a role to play in God’s story.”
The Importance of Community
Throughout our discussion, it was evident how much Christi values the community and support she has found in her church and through mentorship from strong spiritual leaders like Trey Johnson. Their encouragement and guidance have been vital as she navigates her life and helps uplift others along their journeys. Christi’s stories remind us that even in tough times, God is always at work, positioning us for growth and opportunities to serve others. Whether in barrel racing, motherhood, or simply being a friend, our ability to remain connected to God and each other provides the means to impact the world around us.
Conclusion
As we wrapped up our conversation, Christi left us with a prayer for courage and boldness—an invitation to take steps forward in our faith journeys and fulfill the calling we each have. “Never be afraid to step out in faith and trust that God will provide,” she said, embodying a message that resonates deeply with all of us. In closing, we are all called to share the good news, to be that light for others, and to recognize that our purpose is intertwined with those God places in our paths. If you’ve been feeling nudged to reach out, remember that compassion and love can bring profound change.
To hear more of Christi’s uplifting stories and insights, be sure to check out the full Faith Conversations episode.
Until next time, embrace your purpose, trust in the journey, and make room for God to work in your life!