Faith in Action: A Conversation with Bull Rider Kody Lostroh

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Kody Lostroh — a former professional bull rider, dedicated family man, and inspiring man of faith — to talk about his journey, his faith walk, and how God continues to work through his life.

From the Rodeo Arena to Faithful Living

Kody, a Colorado native, spent over a decade riding bulls in the PBR circuit, winning a world title and making a lasting impact in the sport. But beyond his achievements in rodeo, what truly stands out is his unwavering faith and how it shapes every aspect of his life. He shared how, as a young boy, he was introduced to Jesus Christ at a summer camp. Though initially unfamiliar with faith, a simple but profound question from his cousin — "If you died tomorrow, would you go to heaven?" — planted a seed in his heart. That moment marked the beginning of his lifelong walk with Christ.

Trials and Triumphs: Trusting God Through the Hard Times

Kody recounted a harrowing experience that tested his faith—when a tumor wrapped around his carotid artery threatened his life. For nearly two years, he faced uncertainty, symptoms, and surgeries, all while praying for healing. His story is one of perseverance, showing how leaning into God's strength can carry us through the darkest times. He emphasized that leaning into hardships, rather than avoiding them, allows God's character to be revealed and our faith to grow stronger. "When we lean into the hard times, we get so much more strength and faith from that," he said.

Living Out Faith in the Rodeo World and Beyond

Kody’s journey also involves mentoring young rodeo athletes, coaching teams, and sharing his faith openly. His team, part of the PBR’s new league, is more than just about winning — it's about developing good men who live with integrity and purpose rooted in Christ. He reflected on how his faith influences his interactions, whether praying before competitions, ministering to others, or simply living authentically. He’s learned that our unique gifts and personalities are tools for reaching others, and that true influence comes from genuine relationships.

Encouragement for Others

Kody’s story is a reminder that no matter our background or what challenges we face, God has a purpose for each of us. Whether riding bulls, facing health crises, or everyday struggles, trusting God and stepping into fear can lead to growth and fulfillment. He encourages believers to embrace their own journey, lean into hard times, and remember that God's plan is often bigger than we understand. "Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and trust Him," he says.

Closing Prayer

As our conversation wrapped up, Kody graciously closed in prayer, asking for God's guidance, blessings, and clarity in our lives. It was a powerful reminder that faith is a daily walk, rooted in trust, obedience, and a willingness to step into the unknown.

Kody’s story is a shining example of how faith can transform lives, inspire others, and bring purpose to every step we take. I hope his journey encourages you to lean into God's plan, especially during life's toughest moments.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of faith and perseverance.