Running With Jesus With Prof. Boaz Mostra

On Running with Divine Power

2Pet. 1:3   His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

The central text of our meditation in this Bible Plan is Hebrews 12:1, 2.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

I run marathons. 

It is an endurance test of 26.2 miles.

To train for a marathon one needs to eat the right kind of food. It is miles and miles of running. The banana is a good and easy food. It contains potassium which keeps the runner from getting muscle cramps. Fruit that is high in potassium and iron are good. Fish is good for omega-3 fatty acids. Ancient grains like millet, sorghum or quinoa are good sources of healthy carbs. Ancient grains bread with peanut butter is absolutely yummy. 

Marathon training has taught me to be a healthy eater. 

A runner needs to be mindful to avoid bad food. Here are some of the no-nos. Soda is bad. I feel so awful that we have dumped all the soda pop on our sisters and brothers in Mexico. Cookies and candy of all kind are bad. I come from India. Indian candy is absolutely the worst for running. Alcohol is bad. Fried food is bad. White rice, and bread is bad. 

A runner needs to be mindful of what one ingests. Good food gives good energy. It gives power to run the good race. 

This is true of the marathon called life. 

This is what our Verse of the Day emphasizes. To be a good runner in this journey called life one needs energy and power. The Bible offers us the best power ever–“divine power.” All the great runners of Hebrews 11 were people who were endowed with God’s power. 

The Gospels record that Jesus did amazing signs and miracles “for power came out of him and healed them all” (Luke 9:1). In the final words that the risen Jesus said to his disciples he reiterated, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8). This power is what fueled all the great runners of the Bible. 

When I run long runs, or a full marathon, I pray, “Lord, you have promised me your power. I pray that your power will sustain me in this run.” 

I meditate on texts like Isaiah 40:41, where the prophet promises, 

Those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; 

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.” 

A Prayer:

Oh Lord please give me the power to run well this marathon of life.