I was 18 and I was running. My Headphones were on my head and tilted back. My t-shirt was draping and half tucked in. My wind pants were brushing as one leg passed the other. My cold wet sneakers would splash down with each step, and dirty slush from the sidewalk would leap into the air. My cheeks were red and condensation was puffing out of my mouth with every breath as I took in the cold NY winter air. My mind would just go, my body a machine, my muscles loose and warm and I would just run. I Let everything go, and I would run. For miles I would run. Often, I would run.
At the end of the run, I would let loose. Give it all i had. I Turned on the nitro, relaxed every muscle even more. I let go even more. I would sprint the last half mile to my driveway. My arms swung farther, my feet took longer strides, I would finish strong. It felt great.
What didn’t feel so great, were the times I would be giving it my all and a jogger would waltz on passed me with a grin. I gave it my all. But there was no imagining that I could run with the best of men, or even the above average of men. In School track I did ok. I often placed at least 3rd. I won occasionally in my division, which wasn’t so high. But racing with men, for me, has always been a challenge.
Even out side of running. I find myself facing challenges at work, in life, at home, and with people and wondering “Man can I keep up?” “Can I even do this?” “Do I have it in me?” I can relate to Jeremiah who answered God with a flat out “No.” God asked, challenged, and told Jeremiah he was going to be his prophet to the people and Jeremiah said, “I cant do it, I am just a child, I don’t have it in me.” Jeremiah was right. He didn’t.
What he forgot. What I often forget. Is that its not about whats in me. It doesn’t matter if the Joggers in life can pass me by. Because when God wants people to do things, he doesn’t count on our ability. He counts on our availability. Then he gives us what we need to not only run with men, but to run against the impossible. The way God says it, “To run with horses.”
When He is with us, we can run against the odds. We can accomplish the impossible. We can run against even horses in life. I picture the Arabian noble steeds lined up for a race across the desert and there next to them is me. The gun goes off, the horses buck and go, and there is me… with the power of God, out in front leaving them in the dust. It’s an impossible picture if God is left out. But with God, with His power in my life, with the power of Jesus and the power of the resurrection in my life, I can run with the horses.
What are the men in your life?
What are the horses you are up against?
Why not turn to God today for that strength that only he can give, and ask him to help you run with the horses?
In Jeremiah 12:5 (NIV) it says,
” “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?“
