He Runs with God’s Strength By Farhad Chermahini
Jake was out of breath...he could feel the movement of his knee joints as he was running. It was a long time since he ran or had any exercise.
In his 40s, Jakes’ health was deteriorating; he was overweight, often tired, and short-tempered. His mind couldn’t focus well. Stress of work had knocked him down a few times in two years. He knew he needed to exercise, but lacked motivation.
Finally, one evening, he put on his running gear and hit the road. It didn’t take him long before he was out of breath, tired, and felt like giving up. But it just couldn’t happen; he was too unhealthy to give up.
Suddenly a thought flashed through his mind. He began to mumble, “Jesus, Jesus,” with every exhale, followed by “you are my Lord,” as he jogged. After a few minutes of mumbling, something happened; he began to feel an inner strength. His focus changed from the struggle he was having, to the movement of his hands and feet. He couldn't believe the impact it had on his body and mind.
At that point he suddenly understood why the writer of Psalm 59 said, in verse 9, “You are my strength, I watch for you…”
That day, Jake ran one and a half miles nonstop for the first time in six years. He now runs 5K in one go. His health is revolutionized: he feels fresh, no longer is he overstressed or short-tempered. He has made it a habit to speak out short prayers as he runs. It is a joy for him to experience God’s love and care in such practical way.
Jake plans to run a marathon in 2016.
Farhad is married and lives in Birmingham, UK. Contact
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