Listen to today’s devo!

Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (John 20:4)

Expanded Passage: John 20:1-4

I’m not a runner, and I never have been. I honestly gave it my best shot when I was younger, joining track and eventually cross country, but usually finishing second to last. I have learned over the years that I definitely prefer hiking—the slower climb compared to the all-out sprint. In my case, the only time I ever really run is if I have no choice. Maybe I am far behind my schedule or, in a worst-case scenario, there is an emergency. In which case, I would benefit from some more training.

As disciples of Jesus, there are times in our faith we must hike and times we must run. There is something to be said about the slow, technical hike of discipleship. But, in this passage, everyone is running. Mary ran to tell the disciples what she saw; Peter and John ran to confirm. The common goal there was they were desperate to find Jesus, their Lord, their teacher, their friend. Do we wait until it’s the worst-case scenario to start running to Jesus? Or are we desperate for his presence every day?

Jesus is available to us; we do not have to strive to meet with him. Rather, we take on a willing posture of desperation, running into his presence every day. Don’t wait until you have no choice but to run to God; start training today.

Enter into prayer with a desperation to meet with God.

Ethan Zent is the pastor of worship at Follow Church in Upstate South Carolina, where he lives a beautiful life with his beautiful wife.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.