Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best

The subtitle is clue enough to the uniqueness of this book. "Life at its best" is not a phrase one would normally associate with Jeremiah, the so-called "weeping prophet." Nor are the terms "success" or "fame" or "prosperity" words that come readily to mind.

Which, I think, points to Peterson's more subtle point: perhaps our American definition of the "good life" isn't so good. Or spiritually healthy. Or even biblical. By most objective measures, we would say Jeremiah "failed." But that's only true if success is a "what" (an object you achieve) rather than the "who" you become on life's journey.

This book presents a pretty effective antidote to the Osteen-esque drivel that turns the Gospel into some sleek "10 days to a new you" show more self-improvement program. Life with God is characterized by increasing challenge (going from footraces to horse races) which requires increasing faith/fulness and leads to the wondrous experience of ever-increasing grace. And in the oddest of ways, even though Jeremiah does not "survive" (martyred finally by the last enclave of rebellious Judeans in Egypt), his life with God DOES thrive and flourish and issues forth in a prophetic book that is literally unmatched in its raw power.

Peterson has a done a great service for the Weeping Prophet and for contemporary Christians. He reminds us again that the only way to be our BEST selves is to be fully God's...without reservation or remorse. If life has led you down an unexpected by-way, I would encourage you to pick up this text and consider the ways in which God is graciously calling you through your trial to live the world's greatest adventure-a life of trusting and following God. show less

Learning to Live the Life You Long For

In Jeremiah 12:5 God says to the prophet, "If you're worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses?"

We all long to live life at its best―to fuse freedom and spontaneity with purpose and meaning. Why then do we often find our lives so humdrum, so unadventuresome, so routine? Or else so frantic, full of activity, but still devoid of fulfillment? How do we learn to risk, to trust, to pursue wholeness and excellence―to run with the horses instead of shuffling along with the crowd?

In a series of profound reflections on the life of Jeremiah the prophet, Eugene Peterson explores the heart of what it means to be fully and genuinely human. In this special show more commemorative edition, you'll find:

Peterson's invitation to grasp the biblical truth that each person's story of faith is completely original, in his signature pastoral style,
Humor, self-reflection, insight, and wisdom that will help you set a course in the quest for life at its best, and
A preface taken from Eric Peterson's homily at his father's memorial service.

Review
"In the last few years, Eugene's writing has kept me sane. Run with the Horses has been a powerful manual for me. It includes a lot of incendiary ideas. I hadn't really thought of Jeremiah as a performance artist. Why do we need art? Because if we're honest the only way that we can approach God is through metaphor, through symbol. Through Run with the Horses I learned about the prophet's work and it really changed me."

-- Bono, lead singer of U2 and cofounder of ONE and (RED) show less

Good application of the biblical prophet Jeremiah to modern Christian life and living. Now quit studying and actually do something based on what you studied!

Timeless book fleshes out Jeremiah as a person, draws parallels between cusp-of-exile Judah and today. Profound, approachable, practical. Highly recommended

I would give this a 7 if possible. Truly enjoyable insights from Jeremiah. One of the most enjoyable Peterson books I've read and may use it for a sermon series. Takes various happenings in Jeremiah and explains why they are important for us. Very fine book.

Gifted to Biblia Global 2025