Marathon Faith: Motivation from the Greatest Endurance Runners of the Bible

by John Van Pay

Overview

GOD WANTS TO FINISH WHAT HE STARTED IN YOU

Surrendering your life to Jesus is the greatest decision you will ever make, but that's just the starting line. Many of us begin following Jesus without a realistic expectation of the price required to finish our spiritual race. As a result, we lose heart when the road becomes difficult.

In Marathon Faith: Motivation from the Greatest Endurance Runners of the Bible, pastor and marathon runner John Van Pay offers help. Van Pay encourages readers by showing how the "endurance runners of the Bible" overcame obstacles on their faith journeys.

By sharing personal adventures, humorous mishaps, and grueling struggles from his own endurance races, Van Pay shares how God helps when life gets tough—and how you, too, can finish strong.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781621577096
Publisher:	Skyhorse Publishing
Publication date:	01/02/2018
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

The list of Regnery authors reads like a "who's who" of conservative thought, action, and history.

Table of Contents

Introduction xiii

1 Look Where You Want to Go Jesus 1

2 Die Daily Abel 13

3 Walk with God Enoch 25

4 Swing that Hammer Noah 39

5 Better Together Abraham Sarah 53

6 Pass the Baton Isaac 67

7 Fight Jacob 77

8 Trials Possess Great Purpose Joseph 89

9 Be Brave Jochebed 101

10 Know Who You Are Moses 113

11 All In Rahab 123

12 Drop the Dead Weight Gideon 133

13 Don't Let Success Get to Your Head Barak 145

14 Don't Let Failure Get to Your Heart Samson 155

15 Grit Jephthah 165

16 Constant Forgiveness David 175

17 Rest to Be Your Best Samuel 187

18 Persevering with Prayer Daniel 197

19 Amigos Shadrach Meshach Abednego 207

20 The Finish Line-You 217

Acknowledgments 229

Notes 231

Editorial Reviews

Having just run my first marathon, I have a new appreciation for this title and this book— Marathon Faith. We live in a culture that celebrates fifteen minutes of fame, but in God’s kingdom, it’s about long obedience in the same direction. This book will inspire you to run longer, run stronger. Thanks to my friend, John Van Pay, for setting the pace!

—Mark Batterson, bestselling author of The Circle Maker and Lead Pastor of National Community Church

Look at the Table of Contents. That’s all it took for me. I want to be like all those named. They had one thing in common—they finished their lives well. I too want to finish well. My friend John Van Pay in Marathon Faith says, you can. You must. I will. So can you.

—Sam Chand, Leadership Consultant and author of Bigger Faster Leadership

Keeping pace, finding rhythm, and focusing on the prize are all things that not only help marathon runners, but all who are on the journey of life. Marathon Faith reminds us that Jesus is the best pace setter. It gives examples of real leaders from the Bible, who after reading their story again, will inspire you to not throw in the towel. Thanks John for helping so many to discover courage to live life with greater endurance.

—Doug Clay, General Superintendent of the U.S. Assemblies of God

You can feel John’s love for God leaping off these pages. Marathon Faith is more than a great read, it’s a manual for running the race and John does an excellent job of articulating the stories of the great runners who’ve gone before us.

—Bill Taylor, Chief Meteorologist, KENS 5 Channel News, San Antonio

My friend, John Van Pay, has given us a wonderful gift in his book, Marathon Faith. He reminds us that living for Christ is an endurance race, not a sprint; that it’s not how we start, but whether we finish that counts. Drawing from the stories of real people from Hebrews 11, all of them as human and vulnerable as we are, this book bores into our souls with conviction, challenge, insight, humor and captivating story-telling. As my daughter’s pastor and a personal hero of mine, I commend not only this book but the integrity of who John is to you.

—Dr. James Bradford, General Secretary of the Assemblies of God and author of Lead So Others Can Follow

Every Christian has trouble in life and struggles with living out their faith. John Van Pay, a pastor and endurance athlete, has written a compelling book to encourages us all, not just to survive, but to run our races victoriously by the power of the Holy Spirit. Marathon Faith uses the flawed examples from Hebrews' Faith Hall of Fame to show us how God turns our weaknesses into durable strengths.

—Scott Wilson, Pastor of The Oaks Church and author of Clear the Stage

Marathon Faith presents an innovative “Faith” training program that is right on target. This is a very insightful book that is extremely beneficial for anyone seeking to increase their endurance in faith. John shares his personal stories, making it even more compelling. His experience and knowledge supports not just athletes, but anyone seeking a real and lasting relationship with God. I highly recommend reading John’s book and using it as a training tool to guide you through this amazing journey with Christ.

—April Leal, Christ follower and owner of Your Destination Fit

Having known John for nearly thirty years, I have watched him live out the principles he shares in this book. John is not a quitter. Through tragedy and setbacks, John has persevered and kept his eye on the prize. As you read his story, you will be inspired to press on through your obstacles and FINISH your race! Thanks, John, for running your race with integrity and passion!

—Brian Dollar, Associate Pastor of First Assembly, North Little Rock and author of I Blew It and Talk Now And Later

In a time of ever increasing darkness in the world there stands a remnant. This band of devoted disciples is whole heartedly committed to the cause of Christ. One of the men serving Christ is John Van Pay. He has served in excellence for over three decades, declaring vision and loving deeply people around him. Marathon Faith is an encouraging overlook and exposition of Hebrews' hall of faith. John's ridiculously funny and encouraging stories drive home the eternal principles that will help you finish your race.

—W. Kyle Volkmer, Chi Alpha Missionary author of These Things , and Teaching Pastor of Gateway Fellowship Church

From years of pastoral experience, I’ve seen first-hand the pattern of people starting fast and hot in faith, but becoming overwhelmed and flaming out over time. How can we as spiritual leaders help people finish the race of faith in a world full of challenges and difficulties? John Van Pay offers biblical solutions to real life struggles of faith in Marathon Faith. John is one of the most thoughtful and committed disciple makers I know, and he’s built his life and church on the principles in this book. Whether you’re starting your own race, you’ve been running for a while, or you're helping others run their race of faith, you will no doubt find yourself motivated and inspired to go the next mile.

—Chris Railey, Church Multiplication Network Director

From the Publisher