Feeling Alone In Your Faith? How To Find Authentic, Non-Virtual Companions In The Jesus Challenge
Have you ever found yourself scrolling social media, seeing posts about perfect spiritual growth, incredible friends, and a supportive community?
But when you close the app, the silence is deafening. You can’t help but wonder if you’re the only one wandering through your faith journey alone. 😰
You’ve prayed for a real-life companion, someone you can physically see, hug, and call. Someone who loves Jesus, knows the details of your life, and encourages you in Biblical Truth.
But it feels like trying to find a unicorn. 🦄
How do you even start a friendship like that?
You’re in the right place, friend!
The Jesus Challenge is perfectly set up to unlock the genuine, heart-connection relationships you crave. And I’m not only talking about our Facebook community – though it is one of the greatest elements of my Walk with Jesus Challenge.
I’m talking about the real people walking around in your home, church, school, and life.
A deep, God-centered support system is within reach. 😍
How Does the Jesus Challenge Work With a Friend?
When you sign up for my virtual Jesus challenge, you commit to walking or running for 20 minutes every day for 40 days. During that 20 minutes, you read through a pre-assigned section of Scripture. Don’t worry, I put all that together for you beforehand so you don’t have to worry about it. 🙂
When you invite someone to join you, you invite them to walk/run with you every day for 20 minutes and read through those assigned Bible verses together.
What’s more bonding than praying together daily and getting a front-row seat to God’s work in each other’s lives?! By following this simple, practical routine, you create genuine companionship and community.
Who Can I Invite To Join Me in the Jesus Challenge?
After watching thousands of participants build authentic community through my virtual Christian challenge, I can confidently say there’s no limit to who you can invite. 🙌
Your mom.
Daughter.
Brother.
Niece.
Husband.
Students.
Friends.
That lady you’ve been wanting to go deeper with.
Your grandpa.
Your small group.
If you’re not sure who to invite, think about this:
- Who is someone you long to know better but don’t know how?
- Who is someone you look up to and would like to learn from?
- Who is someone you’d like to feel closer to?
- Who is someone you’d like to encourage?
- Who is someone you’ve been too scared to go deeper with?
- Who has God called you to pour into?
Whoever comes to mind, pray about inviting them to do the Walk with Jesus challenge with you. And if God leads you to do so, INVITE THEM.
Usually, the greatest hindrance to our growth is us. Don’t let fear or worry about what others might think hold you back from obedience to God. He gives us everything we need to be obedient! 💪
And right now, you have NO idea the blessing of friendship, depth, and community He’s eager to pour out on you. Don’t miss out on it because you’re afraid. He will not fail you.
8 Helpful Tips to Forge Deep Friendships
“How can I make this work? What if it flops?”
Here are some practical tips to help you and your friends stay on track and make the most out of this experience together.
Do not skip this one! Communication is crucial when you commit to a routine together. Make sure you go over details of the challenge, schedules, and everyone’s capabilities. Leave room for people to ask questions, share ideas, or express concerns.
Make sure everyone in the group understands exactly what this challenge entails. Be sure each person has a chance to recognize the commitment and make an informed decision about it.
Juggling schedules is a nightmare. 😰Choose a certain time every day and block it off for the next 40 days. Protect it as you would an unmissable work meeting. Again, make sure this time works for everyone in your group before you choose it.
Intimacy only goes as deep as your vulnerability. To grow deep connections and relationships, invite each member to share as much of their story as they’re comfortable with. Understanding each other’s context allows you to handle their daily struggles with you with grace and encouragement.
**HINT: Even if you *think* you know them pretty well, you might be surprised to hear their experience from their perspective.
Every lost pound. Every step goal. Every spiritual breakthrough. Every smaller size of clothing. Support is crucial. The more you celebrate, the more you’re motivated to keep pursuing those goals.
Let’s face it – motivation will fade. The other person is present to hold you up when you want to quit. The same goes for you. When they’re ready to throw in the towel, lovingly remind them of why they signed up in the first place and encourage them to keep after it. Throughout the challenge, send encouraging texts, share Scripture, and remind each other of the progress you’ve made.
Whether it’s at the beginning or the end of your walk, pray for each other. Pray according to what God revealed through His Word that day. Encourage each other with praise updates and stay connected with ongoing prayer requests.
Technology is a wonderful thing! If you can’t be in the same place at the same time, commit to walking and reading together on Facetime. No matter the distance, you can still stick to your commitment and build that close spiritual friendship.
How To Address Common Objections To the Jesus Challenge
Maybe you’re praying that God would soften your spouse’s heart.
Or give that friend the courage to try something new.
Or develop trust with your daughter to spend more time together.
Whatever hesitations they may have, God is always working in their hearts. If they’re not yet ready, rest and trust that He WILL open that relationship up when the time is right.
But while you wait for the Lord to open that door, here are some answers to common questions they might have about the virtual Christian challenge.
⏰ What if I don’t have time?
Schedule your walks before the day starts, during breaks, or after work hours. It’s a great way to unwind and clear your mind. It’s like hitting pause on the chaos for 20 minutes!
🏃🏻 What if I miss a day and fall behind?
Don’t sweat it. Life happens! Just pick up where you left off the next day. Remember, the goal is the journey, not the destination. Grace abounds!
🥵 I’m not fit enough. I can’t keep up.
Start at a pace both of you are comfortable with. The beauty of walking is that it’s low impact and adaptable to any fitness level. There is no set speed, intensity, or distance you have to achieve. If one of you can’t walk, choose another exercise you can do for 20 minutes.
🧐 I don’t know enough about the Bible.
You don’t have to know anything about the Bible! Your daily readings are preassigned and easy to look up. God’s Word doesn’t require anything of you. When you simply expose yourself to it, God is faithful to speak and work through it. His Word never returns void.
🙅🏻♀️I’m not sure if I believe in Jesus.
That’s okay! My virtual Jesus challenge welcomes anyone, regardless of religious background or belief. Simply walk and read together. Then talk about whatever you’d like!
😒 I’ll get bored.
Mix up your walks! Take turns choosing where you walk to keep it interesting.
🪫I’m not sure I can commit to 40 days.
Break the 40 days up into smaller goals. Start with a daily step goal for a week. Celebrate every milestone, like a certain amount of miles logged. These small wins keep you motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Your Companions Are Waiting for You
When you join my virtual Christian challenge, you’ll find another community eagerly awaiting your arrival. 🤩
Though it’s virtual, it’s real. My incredible Facebook group teems with encouragement, support, authenticity, and accountability. Countless participants have found life-long friends through this Facebook group, continuing their spiritual development side-by-side for years.
Support and community is available at your fingertips. 🤳
That tug of loneliness is real, but it doesn’t have to be the rest of your story.
We’re here for you, and we want to support you! 📣
Join me and my incredible community, and invite that friend to join you.
