running my own race (by randi)

...let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  ---Hebrews 12:1

We are all running a race, whether we know it or not.  It's a race that God has entered us in, and He wants us to make it to the finish line.  One of the problems in reaching our finish line is distraction in the form of comparison.  It's paying more attention to another person's race while leaving our own undone.  

Or should I say unrun?

I was reading this morning in a book by Dr. Tony Evans and he shared this little story:

"This reminds me of an incident that happened several years ago in the Goodwill Games, which were being held in Edmonton, Canada.  During the four-by-one-hundred relay, a Jamaican athlete who was to run the third leg of the race for his team allowed his attention to wander as he waited for the baton to be passed.  This man happened to look up at the big screen that was televising another event and saw a friend of his getting ready to compete.  The runner stared at the screen for just  a few seconds, but as he did so his teammate came running up to him with the baton.  Instead of a smooth handoff, the incoming runner collided with his distracted teammate, and the race was over for the Jamaican team.  

The message for us is clear.  We need to stop looking at other people's races and start running our own race."

I have a race to run and I am pretty clear on what it is.  My problem is that it looks quite different from the one those people that are around me are called to run.  And I get distracted in that.

There are things about their races that I want.  Right now.

In reality, I know that those things will be coming my way.  Someday.  But not right now.

Right now my mind and my will need to focused on my own race.  And where God is taking me in that race.

He is the only One who can get me to the finish line free of distraction, and full of purpose.  I want to cross the finish line sprinting and doing my very best at the end, rather than dragging myself along while I am paying too much attention to other people and their races.

The race is set before me.

All I have to do is run it!

Comments

[Sandra]

Randi, I really needed this story this morning. It was a perfect fit for me. Thank you for sharing. :)

[erinnorberg]

excellent word!

[Tammy]

Love your thoughts about running the race, Randi. Right now I don't even have time to compare myself to others in the race of life because there are so many things in front of me trying to get me to stumble and fall off course. It is only in the Lord's strength that I can keep my eyes focused on Him and the promised finish line.

Guess we can all use encouragement to RUN IT, eh?

Blessings,
Tammy ~@~