Review: 'Embracing the Race,' a runner's devotional

Running can easily become an obsession, even an idol, if you’re not careful.

That’s one reason why Embracing the Race: 40 Devotions for the Runner’s Soul by Samaritan Ministries member Lisa Preuett is important as a tool that can help any Christian runner to keep their focus not only on the road ahead, but on the Word.

It’s evident from the first entry that Lisa is one of us (you’re included in us if you run regularly for exercise, or even if you’re a triathlete, biker, etc.). Her introductions to each devotion ring true for those who pound the pavement or the trails or the treadmill at least once a week and end up with really smelly clothes.

For instance, that first entry starts a reflection on 2 Timothy 3:16-17 about being “thoroughly equipped for every good work” by considering all the equipment runners usually end up buying. How many of us can identify with Lisa’s shock at the expense of $120 running shoes, for instance? Yet, she points out, “God also calls us to be thoroughly equipped.”

Another devotion talks about the experience of “hitting the wall” in a distance race or workout, and relates it to similar times when “we come face-to-face with something that stops us in our tracks,” but reminding us with Psalm 18:29 that “In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.”

Yet another discusses the weirdness of being urged to run against traffic, rather than with it. That’s what Paul tells us to do in Romans 12:2, though: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

That’s the basic structure of each devotion: Share a verse, relate some aspect of a runner’s experience, then tie it to the truth taught by the verse. Follow that with a challenge, another verse, and, finally, a prayer.

Each reflection is fluidly written. Better yet, Lisa’s applications are natural fits for the aspect of running that she shares. Nothing is forced. The stride is natural.

The best part is that runners will be able, after going through these devotions, to be reminded of God’s truths that Lisa shares in the book as they go about their daily or weekly workouts. Hopefully, their focus will shift to those truths as they contemplate their runs.

Be equipped. Be strengthened. Read Embracing the Race.