by Melissa Sharp
“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46–47 (NKJV)
In a story titled “For a Change of Pace, Try Running in the Woods” (The Wall Street Journal, 2024), the writer shared how a man named William Gensburg unexpectedly found his new life (and family) after loss. At nearly 50, recovering from sports injuries and freshly divorced, he started jogging a local two-mile trail. It wasn’t just about exercise—it became his peace, his pace, and his people. After selling his business and setting out across the country to find a new home, he stopped in Boulder, Colorado. He joined a trail running group, and soon he after said, “The next thing I knew, I had a circle of friends and just decided to stay.”
You know, life doesn’t always turn out the way we plan.
Divorces happen. Health fails. Jobs change. Children leave. Life keeps shifting—sometimes suddenly, sometimes painfully—but if you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, you know this truth: God never changes.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)
The same God who provided William with a trail and a circle of friends can provide you with something far greater—a forever family. And unlike hobby groups or social clubs, the family of God is eternal. This family is not bound by blood but by the Spirit. It transcends earthly change and offers something deeper than shared interests: shared identity in Christ.
Even when our biological families are fractured or absent, or our support systems fall apart, we are never without a place to belong in God’s house.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24–25 (NKJV)
Yes, you can find camaraderie in places like running groups, sports teams, or book clubs—but those relationships often shift with seasons of life. The church—God’s family—offers not just community but continuity. Once you’re in Christ, you’re family for life and for eternity. His body is global, yet personal. It may stretch across continents, but it also meets in living rooms, small groups, and sanctuaries.
So if you’re going through something unexpected—or if you’re simply in a season where you feel alone—seek out fellowship with other believers. Yes, it may push you outside of your comfort zone. You might have to be vulnerable. But the richness of what you gain is worth every risk. When you connect with God’s family, it’s like that first step on the trail. You may start out unsure—but you’ll soon be hooked by the joy of spiritual friendship and anchored by a love that runs deeper than any earthly bond.
Daily Challenge:
Reach out to someone in your church or small group this week—especially someone who might be new or going through a difficult time. Invite them to coffee, lunch, or simply check in with a phone call or message. Be the beginning of someone else’s “circle of friends.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a family that’s deeper than blood—a spiritual family that never fades with time or change. Teach us to cherish this gift. Help us not just to be part of the church, but to love like Jesus and live like His body. Make us welcoming, joyful, and faithful to one another. And Lord, give us eyes to see the lonely, courage to reach out, and hearts that reflect Yours. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
