About the only place I run these days is to the refrigerator. On rare occasions I hustle through an airport. I’ve heard of the runners high, experienced when a jogger breaks through a certain barrier and glides along in pleasure. Never got there—I only experience the runners slog. Don’t get me wrong, I walk and go to the gym. But run, not if I can help it.

So I’m impressed by the way the Lord made Elijah into a powerful runner. After his obliteration of the prophets of Baal, Elijah ran ahead of Ahab the king (who drove a chariot) all the way back to the palace, a distance of 20-some miles. Here’s how the writer described the experience:

The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

Must have been awesome to run like never before, enjoying the Lord’s strength and endurance. I think of Isaiah 40:31 where we’re told that 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.

Elijah literally experienced his strength renewed by the Lord. After a long hard day of confrontation, he completed a marathon-length run in sandals over rough roads. Not even a blister.

It’s appropriate to pray for the power of the Lord to touch your life. The promise we read from Isaiah—those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength—remains valid. Hope in the Lord and pray.

Lord give me strength, is no idle wish, but a simple prayer for renewal, one I pray often. Whether we need physical strength, or mental or emotional, the Lord holds the power to help us deal with our challenges and problems, to run and not grow weary.

1 Kings 18 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Jeremy Lapak