“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of faith . . . Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
{Hebrews 12:1-3}
My feet hit the pavement in a slow, steady rhythm. I am not fast. I am not graceful. But I like how stress rolls off me, along with the sweat from my forehead, the way my favorite songs match the beat of my heart and the satisfaction of discovering I’m capable of more than I first thought.
The sky spreads blue above me and I’m content . . . until I see another runner out of the corner of my eye with a smooth, speedy stride I can hardly fathom. And suddenly I feel like I’m not doing anything right. Have you ever felt the same?
You love the blog post you wrote until you see someone else’s got ten more Facebook likes.
You’re happy with your tried-and-true marriage until you see that lovey-dovey newlywed pic on Instagram.
You think your personality is just fine until everyone flocks around the new cool girl.
We can so quickly shift from focusing on “the race marked out for us” to comparing ourselves with someone else.
And as every runner knows, where your eyes go your feet (and heart and life) will follow.
The cure to comparing is considering. We’re to fix our eyes on Jesus and “consider” all He went through for us. In other words, if we’re going to focus on a path besides our own, then we’re to think about the one that led to the cross. Because that changes everything.
Instead of what we don’t have, it reminds us of all we’ve been given.
Instead of how we don’t measure up, it reminds us of the limitless grace that’s ours.
Instead of self-pity, it gives us a reason to lift our hands and hearts in praise.
The path to the cross is what enables us to “not grow weary and lose heart.” In other words, it helps us keep pursuing God’s best for us and protects us from distraction. It also reminds us that the journey we’re on is not about competition but completion.
These days when I find myself trying to be like someone else, I go back to a phrase someone shared with me long ago: “Not my race, not my pace.” As the runner passes me, I repeat this over and over again in my mind. Soon Ms. Speedy Feet is out of sight. I wonder where she’s going, and I smile as I remember where I’m headed. Home to where I belong — to the place where I’m loved as I am. Isn’t that what really matters?
I so easily forget this truth: When I choose someone else’s route; I also choose their destination. And I don’t want to miss out on the goodness God has prepared just for me in this life. Or the next. Even if sometimes I’m a little slower and less graceful getting there.
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Love this! I’m terrible when it comes to comparing myself to others. This is my new motto – not my race, not my pace!!
Just what I needed as I embark on a new curve in my journey, so different from the dear friend who first blazed the trail. Thank you!
“Not my race, not my pace” is a quote I need to keep in the forefront of my thoughts. As we are going through many transitions I need to look for the “race” God has for us/me. I want to follow the route God has for me and not envy others’ routes.
My race is very lonely. I’m tired of running this ultramarathon. I’m the last to finish. All my friends have started new races with husbands, kids, grandkids even. And I’m still barely out of the starting blocks. O’ll finish, but alone. How long, oh LORD?
My heart was moved when I read your comment. I never hit ‘reply’ beforebut wanted somehow to encourage your spirit. All things in His timing..hard to embrace but needed in going forward each day. Be encouraged in your one life! He has ‘created you’ psalm 139:13. Continue the race..heb 12:1-3. Do not grow weary.. finish the race. Blessings to you.
I love how you’re encouraging here… such truth.
Thank you, Linda for your encouragement.
Barb, I’m pausing to lift you up this evening. Thank you for sharing. XOXO
I ask the same question. I am tired too!…I will keep you in my prayers!
I cling to God’s promise that we will run and not grow weary. I pray the same for you, Kristine.
Barb,
God could be preparing and molding you into the woman He wants and also working on your possible future mate. In the meantime your race is not over–you can do local mission trips, volunteer, help out at your church, etc. Being single has its advantages. I will pray for you asking God if He has a mate out there for you. Be encouraged God loves you and so do we!
Blessings 🙂
Beth, your kind words and prayers were such an encouragement and a lift to my heavy heart. I have a wonderful church family who regularly pray for me but I wonder how they pray for me. I suspect they pray that I learn to accept and be content with my life, good prayers. But I wonder – does anyone pray fervently that God would provide a mate for me? I know it’s not the words but the heart that God hears. Still I think the word count for something. That you prayed specifically for a husband for me let me know that God heard my cries. I don’t know how he won’t answer, but he hears. I pray for you that God would bless your kindness and your obedience to his prompt to pray for me, that he would shine his favor on you in some way that you are wanting.
Anyone know what book this run your own race is in?
Love this, Holley! Your words are true and they are like a breath of fresh air. I needed to hear them today. Thank you!
Thank you Lydia! Hug your mom for me. 🙂
I need this today. Thanks, Holley.
I definitely needed this today. I am bad not only with comparison but jealousy. I will definitely be using the mantras, “Not my race, not my pace.” and “Choose someone else’s route and you choose their destination.”
Well said. My eyes drift to others and then to my feet far too often. Thanks for your wonderful words and visualization. Your pace touched mine!
I love this, Holley. I daily need this reminder. I’ll have to remember your mantra – “Not my race, not my pace.” Blessings to you!
(in)courage is the first devotion I read every morning. Much of the devotions speak to younger women and I am sixty, but it always touches my heart. All my life I have wondered am I where God wants me to be? Why can’t my deaf ears hear. My biggest issues, although I have been in a Christian music leadership position for over forty years, why can’t do go after my dream – making a peace-filled album or wiritng my book. On the outside I am confident on the inside I am fearful. How could God use me? Faith conquers all fear and your article today encourages me to plod along at my own pace and not gauge my progress by others. I remind myself to maintain a direct connect to the Creator and follow His will. Just give it all to Him and run His race and the pace He intended! God Bless You!
Hi Nancy, I’m 60 too and the last 40 years have been truly difficult, to say the least. I found Holley several years ago and get messages just spoke to me. Not so much so with inCourage since I couldn’t have children causing my life to follow a path much different than most. Glad to find someone else my age here…God Bless!
Lynn, I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Nancy and Lynn… I’m in my mid 50’s and don’t usually comment – because of my age and stage too! I wanted to say “amen” to your comments and also let you know that you’re not alone.
YES! Holley’s words are a balm to the weary… I’m grateful to be encouraged as I face difficult days (or nights) and learn to trust His next season for my life with joy and anticipation, as slow as I may trek through it…
Nancy I’m blessed by what you’ve shared here and the openness you’ve used when sharing. I’m pretty convinced “over the hill” is myth. 🙂 God can – and will – use you.
hi I have never replied but I just feel compelled to respond to your post. I am almost 65 and I feel like all my life has been a slog through one challenge after another. Now I am wondering where do I go from here Lord? I recently stepped away from an abusive marriage after 25 years and I feel estranged from various family members. My career is changing due to changes in my industry. Its very tough when I look at others-couples who are prosperous, retiring financially secure and, of course, every one looks happy. Every ones family is a Hallmark card etc. Comparison is my worst enemy along with it evil twin jealousy. This is my path and I need to live it out and focus as it says in Hebrews on the “author and perfecter of my Faith”. My life still counts and I do have the destination ordained for me. Thank you Holley and Nancy. I thought I was the only woman of my age feeling like “What is next?” “Do I have a Future”. God Bless you both.
Hi, Nancy! I, too, am in my sixties, and find most of the (in)courage devotionals quite meaningful to women in our stage of life. As for pursuing dreams “at our age,” i don’t think we’re meant to set them aside just because we’ve reached a certain decade. Plenty of older folks in scripture (Abraham, Caleb, Elizabeth and Zechariah, etc.) realized their dreams later in life. Meanwhile, as we persevere we’ll become strong, as we trust our faith will grow deep, and as we practice God’s presence we’ll learn consistency of character. Those are wonderful “side effects” of pursuing God’s best for us! Sincerely, ANOTHER Nancy!
Nancy,
I had deaf ears for years also. Mine were caused by holes in both the tympanic membrane (eardrum). It was hard growing up with speech issues, etc. I love Christian music, but do to my speech impediment could never be a singer, & am not cut out for leadership. Now God is using my hearing difficulties to do sign language to Christian Music for our church services. Everyone loves it when I do it. It is a gift God has shown me. Yes God can and will use you in some way!
Blessings 🙂
Needed these mottoes and this message today, thank you!
Love it, love it! Holley, you are such an inspiration to me. I call myself a ‘wannabe’ writer. Have always compared myself to others more gifted than I, altho I know we all have our own race to run. I am just shy of 80 now and my pace has become much slower and most of my race is behind me. I keep writing tho, simply for the love of it, and reading awesome encouraging devotionsls such as yours to inspire and enlighten me. My race is different from yours – and am learning that it’s ok. I was never the fastest, the smartest, the most popular, but I was and am who God made me to be, a child of His. What can compare with that? Thank you for the reminder.
God bless you for your ministry.
Bobbie, what you have to say is important. It matters. Write on, girl.
So on point for me today! Depression sends you down the wrong path. In the end, you’re overwhelmed, sad, and vegetating on the couch. “Not my pace, not my race” gives me the freedom to be me in Christ and trusting that He is with me on the journey, no matter the condition of the road or where it leads. Thank you for the refreshing!
Hey Michelle, thank you for openly sharing a little piece of your story here. Hugs. XOXO
Michelle, I’m thinking of you this evening and lifting you up. XOXO
Good words, Holley! So often, like many, I compare myself to others and what they are doing. This is when I lose sight of the path God gave to me, and only to me.
Yes, to stay true to God’s path, that’s the one for me!
Toni 🙂
Ok…so then, for me, it’s going to be MY RACE, AT MY PACE…I have to add that personal slant. Thank you & bless you for your sharing-caring!
Actually, it needs to be: MY RACE, GOD’S PACE!
And exercise is a great coping mechanism for stress.
I’m 78 years young so I’ve experienced much of what y’all are writing… In time, prayer and Gods word and a bit of aging, you’ll like me , become so content with my body, my talents, my hobbies to the place you won’t compare yourself..but it does take time. Society has pushed us that way.
I and YOU are wonderfully made…..take it on and enjoy your journey with HIM…
Such encouragement – thank you Betsey!
I’m also trying the new mantra…not my race, not my pace. Wonderful post as always, Holley 🙂
Not my race. Not my pace. I love that!
Amen Karen!
The most insightful piece of this is realizing that when we try to “adopt” someone else’s route (methods, tactics, strategies), we’re replacing the plans God has just for us with what He has designed for him/her. I love that God created me uniquely, so why am I so quick to forsake the path He’s given to me? Thanks, Holley!
thanks for this. good stuff for the soul.
Perfect. Thank you so much for this post. 🙂
Gosh!!! I needed to hear this!!!
“Don’t compare; consider instead.” So appreciate the list of considerations you provided, Holley, to get our minds thinking in the right direction, towards excellent and praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:8). As I read through your list, my heart began to respond with gratitude and awe, proving that attitude and focus ARE powerful factors in how we run this race. Thank you, Holley!
THANK YOU HOLLEY!! I needed that reminder! About pacing myself anyway. =)
Holley,
Loved this with all the analogies! Some days I feel inadequate-like why can’t I do this and that like other people. Why can’t I handle several things at once? Like Karen, this isn’t the role I thought I’d have now. God knows best and for now I will be content with not working and taking care of my aging dad in assisted living on hospice. I will also look after my in-laws. So frustrating sometimes, but I’m ok with life!
Blessings to everyone 🙂
Beth, I admire your attitude! God will bless your faithfulness.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.