Faith Conversation: Embracing God's Plan with Corey Navarre

Welcome to another inspiring edition of Faith Conversations! Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Corey Navarre, who joins us all the way from Iowa. You can see the beautiful background behind him—birds, blue skies, and the serenity of God's creation—while I’m here in South Dakota, grateful for these opportunities to share stories of faith and transformation.

Why We Do These Conversations

At the heart of these conversations is the desire to celebrate how God's touch changes lives. All of us are touched by His grace, but hearing personal testimonies reminds us of His active presence in our world. As we approach our 100th episode next weekend, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the many lives touched and stories shared. We believe God's goodness will multiply these stories a hundredfold, inspiring others to seek Him.

Meet Corey Navarre

Corey grew up in southern Louisiana, with no initial background in rodeo. His journey into rodeo and bull riding is a testament to God's sovereignty. From high school bull riding to college rodeo, Corey’s path was filled with unexpected turns. He met his wife in Oklahoma, where they started a family and embraced the life of rodeo—an adventure that has taken them across the country, including Iowa today.Corey’s wife, a trick rider, has passed her passion onto their three daughters, who now perform and compete in rodeo events. It’s a family dedicated to faith, sport, and community—living out the values they hold dear.

Growing in Faith

Corey’s faith journey began simply—attending church and checking the box. But it was through college rodeo and the influence of pastors and fellow believers that he felt God speaking to him. The turning point came at the 1998 PBR World Finals, where Corey accepted Jesus into his life and committed to walking with Him daily.He shares, “God showed up through people—through relationships, through Bible studies, through the example of others. It’s the community of believers that truly helps us grow.”

Living Out Faith in the Rodeo World

For Corey, the rodeo arena became a place of spiritual growth. He describes the importance of surrounding himself with godly men, like Cody Custer, who modeled a walk with Christ. He emphasizes the significance of choosing friends who sharpen and encourage us in faith—echoing Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron.”He advises young rodeo athletes and high schoolers to surround themselves with godly influences, to pray for guidance, and to trust that God’s plan is better than anything they could imagine. Sometimes, doors close, and plans change, but Corey reminds us that trusting God’s sovereignty leads to the best outcomes—often beyond what we can see at the moment.

Marriage, Family, and Passing Faith

Corey and his wife’s relationship evolved over time, built on prayer and seeking God’s guidance. They asked for God’s direction in choosing each other, trusting that He would orchestrate their lives according to His divine plan. Their story highlights the importance of prayer and leaning on God for life’s biggest decisions.Their children—ages 10, 15, and 18—are being raised in a home where faith is lived out daily. Corey emphasizes that modeling Christ through actions and words is the most powerful way to instill faith in the next generation.

Encouragement for Parents and Young People

As our children prepare for new chapters—college, sports, independence—Corey encourages parents to trust in God’s sovereignty. Whether it’s choosing a college or a career, seeking a spouse, or facing life’s uncertainties, prayer and obedience are key. He shares that when we trust God and follow His lead, He often surprises us with blessings beyond our expectations.

Final Words of Wisdom

Corey’s message is simple yet profound: Trust the process, trust the Father. Even when life doesn’t go as planned, God’s sovereignty means He is working all things together for good. As the Scripture reminds us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).He encourages us to be quick to obey God’s redirections, to keep our eyes fixed on Him, and to remember that our journey is part of His divine plan.

Closing in Prayer

As we wrap up, I invite you to join us in prayer:

Father, we thank You for this time of sharing and learning. We ask that the seeds planted today would grow and flourish in the hearts of listeners. Help us to trust You in every season, to seek Your guidance diligently, and to walk in obedience. Thank You for Your love, Your sovereignty, and the gift of relationship with Your Son, Jesus. May we live out our faith boldly and reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.Thank you for being part of this faith-filled journey. We look forward to many more stories of God’s work in our lives!