It’s so easy to look over at “her”, isn’t it? It’s that “her” that has all the gifts, the wisdom, the depth, and the life we’d like to have. We look with envy, with a sense of want, with a focus on her race, not ours. We wonder why we’re so “drug down” and not where she is. We want what she has.

To an extent, that can be a good thing. It can cause us to dig deeper in the things of the Lord. It can bring about perseverance and wisdom. It can carry us along the race path in the midst of His strength…when handled in a mentoring manner.

However, looking with discontent, a sense of coveting, or judgment can steer us in the wrong path. Be careful my friend.

This scripture says to run with perseverance the race marked out for US. It’s not about “her” race, it’s about God’s race for us. We must be careful our view doesn’t stay focused on what “she” has, but rather on what the Lord has marked out for us. What He has is sufficient. His race for us is good. His race for us brings glory to the King of kings. It’s pure glory.

Our race may look a bit different from hers, or it may be similar after our hearts have been stripped and healed the way hers has. I’ll admit, I’ve looked at “her” with a sense of envy in the past. “Why can’t things be for me like they are for her?”  Sound familiar?  What I didn’t realize is that “she” had already spent countless hours on her face, worshiping the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. “Her” heart had been stripped and healed, guided and molded as she ran the race marked out for her with perseverance. It was a maturing thing that can only come with time and one on one encounters with the Lord.

Be encouraged today, my friend, as you run with perseverance the race marked out specifically for you. Have eyes that focus strictly on the Lord and on Him only. Look only to others for encouragement, not in envy. Persevere and know that the race He has marked out for you is specific and glorious. It is yours, marked out just for you by a very real God. Consider it an honor, and run, run, run!

Father God,
You are glorious and so is Your race. May we run with encouragement and perseverance this race You have set us for us specifically…give us eyes to see that race marked out for us. Thank You and praise Your holy name.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Be encouraged as you continue to celebrate the freedom Christ brings.
In Love,
Kristi