26.2 verses and then some

I have completed my journey of learning/memorizing 26.2 (really 27) verses to sustain me during the marathon.  When I first decided to do this, I thought I would select the shortest verses possible.  I wish I could say that I stuck to that plan!  I am also kind of sad that this part of my marathon journey is complete.  I really, really enjoyed picking my verses and learning them.  I have probably read more of the Bible in the past three weeks than I have ever!

What I have come to realize is that I (without knowing it) picked verses that are applicable for different parts of the race.  I also know that these verses do not relate to running in the Bible stories; however, they apply to me and my journey.  So, here they are:

Verses for before and the first miles of the marathon:

May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Psalm 20:4

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him.

Psalm 37:5

Humble yourself before the Lord; He will lift you up.

James 4:10

Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.  

Proverbs 16:3

Anything is possible if a person believes!  

Mark 9:23

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:23 

I am with you and watch over you wherever you go...

Genesis 28:15

Do you not know that those who run a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Verses to sustain me during the marathon:

Be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.  

Chronicles 15:7

Be sure of this, I am with you always even to the end of the age.  

Matthew 28:20

With God's help we will do mighty things.  

Psalm 60:12

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.

 Jeremiah 29:11

Let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles; let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

I consider our current suffering are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us!

Romans 8:18

But glory in our sufferings for we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope; and hope does not put us to shame.

Romans 5:3-5

The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.

Isaiah 41:10

And we pray that you...may be strengthened with all power...so that you may have great endurance.

Colossians 1:10, 11

For those last killer miles:

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 

I have fought the fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith

2 Timothy 4:7

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

2 Samuel 22:30

So don't throw away your confidence for it will be richly rewarded!

Hebrews 10:35

I press on toward the goal to win the prize...

Philippians 3:14

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:29

My heart and flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever.

Psalm 73:26

Yes, I memorized 28 because I miscounted.  However, I believe each of these verses serves a purpose for me.  I don't think it is an accident that I learned 28.  I also believe that a verse will come to me when I need it.  I am feeling ready and I know God will be running with me!