Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1-3 {MSG}

So there I am. At the beach surrounded by a swarm of people ready to do this race thing. The announcers voice is lost in the sea of people and waves of the ocean. I’m anxious. Awkward. And getting antsy to get on with it. It’s almost race time and I’m ready to go.

Finally the horn sounds and we’re off!

My adrenaline is coursing big-time and I have the urge to take off fast and move through the crowd. Instead I force myself to slow a bit and find a comfortable pace. My only goal is to run the entire 5K and there’s no way that’ll happen if I wear myself out too soon trying to keep up with everyone else.

I was able to set in at a good pace, but when someone would pass me I’d find myself speeding up again … I think more out of natural instinct than anything else … maybe competitiveness? Did I think I’d miss something if I stayed behind? Did I think I needed to be where they are?

And then … when I’m not even to the half-way mark … the real runners start passing from the opposite direction, headed to the finish line and I find myself speeding up again!!

“… let us run with patience the race that is set before us …”
Hebrews 12:1 b {KJV}

So as I’m running, finding myself trying to keep up with others, I start thinking how we can sometimes get caught up in comparing our faith to others. “She’s much holier than me!” “She knows so much more about the Bible!” “She has an encouraging word, like straight out of the mouth of Jesus, every time I need it.” “I’ll never measure up to a faith like that.”

Anyone? I read something yesterday that included this quote from Jon Acuff, “Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” Woah, right?!

How many times do I fall into that trap??

As I was running along that beach, getting caught up in trying to keep up … I was reminded to run my own race. And to run it with patience.

I’ve been made unique. With my own divine gifts and purposes. He has a plan laid out for me … it’s my plan. Not someone else’s. If I’m focused on someone else’s plan and where they’re at and what they’re doing, guess what? I’m missing out on all He has planned for me! My good will happen in His timing. My job is to set the pace, stay the course, and trust Him.

Lord, help me … please help me to keep my eyes focused on You and the plan You’ve intended for me. I believe Your promise Lord, that You have good plans for me and I thank you, so very very much for creating me unlike anyone else. For giving me plans no one else has. Thank you Lord for planning out every detail of my life. I give it to you Lord … I give you my life.

running the race … {post one}
running the race … {post three}

Have you heard? I’m hosting a Facebook study group on my e-book 31 days of faith. Each day in August, I’ll walk through the book with you in a more in-depth sort of way. My hope is to breathe encouragement into your day, to help you see Jesus, and to show you joy in the middle of a trial.

If you’re on Instagram and would like to join in the study in a different way, the hashtag is #31faith. I can be found as tmstier.

Additional details found here. 31 days of faith buying options found here.