Summary of Run with the Horses by Eugene Peterson
Run with the Horses by Eugene Peterson is a reflective exploration of the life and calling of the prophet Jeremiah. Peterson uses Jeremiah’s story to explore what it means to live a life of faithfulness and purpose in the face of adversity and opposition. The central theme of the book is that God calls believers to a life of courageous and authentic faith — to “run with the horses” rather than settling for a life of complacency and mediocrity.
The title comes from Jeremiah 12:5, where God challenges Jeremiah:
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?”
Peterson interprets this verse as a call to rise above the ordinary struggles of life and embrace a life of spiritual resilience and courage. He argues that true faith requires more than just survival — it requires running alongside the horses, a metaphor for living a life of excellence, boldness, and purpose even when circumstances are difficult.
Peterson explores Jeremiah’s difficult calling as a prophet during one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history. Jeremiah faced rejection, ridicule, and suffering as he spoke out against the idolatry and corruption of his people. Despite his personal struggles and moments of doubt, Jeremiah remained faithful to God’s call. Peterson presents Jeremiah as a model for modern believers — someone who remained obedient and courageous even when the results seemed fruitless.
The book emphasizes the importance of integrity, prayer, and spiritual strength. Peterson contrasts Jeremiah’s life with the lives of those who conformed to societal pressures or abandoned their calling. He argues that true success is not defined by worldly standards but by faithfulness to God’s purpose.
Peterson challenges readers to examine their own lives and consider whether they are merely walking or truly running with the horses — whether they are settling for comfort or pursuing a life of spiritual significance. He urges believers to live with passion, authenticity, and trust in God’s guidance, even when the path is difficult.
Ultimately, Run with the Horses is a call to spiritual maturity and courage. Peterson argues that believers are meant to live fully and faithfully, not merely to survive but to thrive — to run with the horses.
Top 5 Quotes from Run with the Horses
- “There is no question of whether or not we will suffer, but what kind of person we will become in the suffering.”
- “Faithfulness, not success, is God’s measure of greatness.”
- “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?”
- “A life of faith is not a life of ease but a life of challenge and adventure.”
- “Obedience to God is not about achieving success but about living truthfully and courageously.”
Outline of Run with the Horses with Section Summaries
Introduction – The Call to Run with the Horses
- Peterson introduces the idea that life as a believer is not about surviving but about thriving.
- Jeremiah’s story serves as a model for spiritual resilience and courage.
- God calls believers to a life of boldness and authenticity.
Chapter 1: Before You Were Born
- Jeremiah’s calling began before his birth (Jeremiah 1:5).
- God’s plan for believers is established before they even know Him.
- True identity and purpose come from God’s calling, not human achievement.
Chapter 2: The Call to Be a Prophet
- Jeremiah was called to speak truth to a rebellious nation.
- Obedience to God’s call often leads to opposition and suffering.
- Faithfulness to the call is more important than the response of others.
Chapter 3: Why Struggle When You Can Quit?
- Jeremiah struggled with doubt and discouragement.
- God’s challenge in Jeremiah 12:5 calls for spiritual strength and perseverance.
- True faith requires endurance in the face of adversity.
Chapter 4: The Potter’s Wheel
- Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s house (Jeremiah 18) teaches the lesson of submission to God’s shaping.
- God molds and reshapes believers to fulfill His purpose.
- Trusting the process of being shaped, even when it is painful, is part of the journey of faith.
Chapter 5: The Prophet’s Lament
- Jeremiah often felt lonely and rejected.
- Authentic faith means wrestling with God and honestly expressing pain.
- Lament is part of faith — bringing doubts and pain to God rather than hiding them.
Chapter 6: The Scroll and the Fire
- Jeremiah’s prophecies were rejected and even burned by the king (Jeremiah 36).
- Faithfulness to God’s word is more important than human acceptance.
- Jeremiah continued to speak truth despite opposition.
Chapter 7: Buying the Field
- Jeremiah bought a field during a time of war (Jeremiah 32) as a sign of hope in God’s promises.
- Faith sometimes requires acting in hope even when the circumstances seem impossible.
- Trusting God’s promises means looking beyond the present situation.
Chapter 8: Trusting in the Lord
- Jeremiah warned against trusting in human strength or wealth.
- True security comes from trusting God alone.
- Faith requires surrendering human plans for God’s greater purpose.
Chapter 9: Running with the Horses
- Jeremiah’s life was not easy, but he remained faithful.
- God calls believers to a life of courageous faith and endurance.
- Living faithfully means rising above comfort and embracing spiritual excellence.
Conclusion – A Life of Boldness and Faithfulness
- Success is defined by faithfulness, not by external results.
- God’s call is not about ease or comfort but about obedience and courage.
- Running with the horses means living fully and boldly for God.
Popular Quotes from Each Chapter
Chapter 1: Before You Were Born
- “Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you.”
- “You are not an accident; you are part of a divine plan.”
- “Our identity is rooted in God’s purpose.”
Chapter 2: The Call to Be a Prophet
- “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you.”
- “Faithfulness to God’s call often leads to rejection.”
- “God’s word is not always welcome, but it is always true.”
Chapter 3: Why Struggle When You Can Quit?
- “God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.”
- “Faith means continuing even when you want to give up.”
- “Endurance is the mark of true faith.”
Chapter 4: The Potter’s Wheel
- “Like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand.”
- “Trust the shaping even when it feels uncomfortable.”
- “God’s shaping is for your good.”
Chapter 5: The Prophet’s Lament
- “It’s better to be honest with God than to hide your pain.”
- “God meets us in our weakness.”
- “Lament is a form of faith.”
Chapter 6: The Scroll and the Fire
- “Truth cannot be destroyed.”
- “God’s word stands even when the world rejects it.”
- “Faith means speaking truth even when no one listens.”
Chapter 7: Buying the Field
- “Faith means believing in hope beyond the present.”
- “Act in faith even when you can’t see the outcome.”
- “God’s promises are greater than current circumstances.”
Chapter 8: Trusting in the Lord
- “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.”
- “Strength comes from dependence on God.”
- “Do not lean on human strength — trust in God alone.”
Chapter 9: Running with the Horses
- “God calls us to more than mere survival.”
- “Live courageously even when the path is hard.”
- “Running with the horses means living with boldness and faith.”
Final Thoughts
Run with the Horses challenges readers to live a life of courage, faithfulness, and spiritual integrity. Eugene Peterson’s exploration of Jeremiah’s life offers a powerful model for enduring faith and obedience in the face of adversity.
