Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2       

A few days ago, I woke up early and went for a run. I have a favorite spot near the house (because who wants a long drive before an early run?) that is frequented by runners and walkers. Once in a while you will see someone riding a horse. Along the trail is a water canal where an occasional duck can be spotted. I even heard of a local teenager who, years ago, may or may not have pulled a wakeboarder through those waters with his jeep. That teenager may be one reason why I—um, I mean his mom—took up running in the first place. But I digress.

Halfway through my morning run, I was passed on the trail by a bunch of energetic young runners in the cutest little shorts from our local university. I did the mom-thing, yelling a cheerful greeting to all the passers-by. Have a good day! Great job! You’ve got this! Do you know if the donuts are this way? Some would answer me back. Most would just smile.

When the spunky college girls passed me, my immediate thought was to catch up and keep up—but how long could I run at their pace? Would I die if I even tried? (Which is super ironic since I was wearing my But Did you Die? running shirt.) I pictured the headlines that day: “Canal Runner Passes Out—Ambulance Called.”

Truth be told, I have too much pride to risk it, so I stayed at my pace and watched them, arms pumping and pony tails bouncing, fade from view as they chased the horizon.

You know what? I’m not twenty-something. I don’t wear those cute little shorts anymore (you’re welcome). Let’s be honest. I have a lot of life on those kids and I’ve consumed way more carbs.

You know what else? I realized (again) how easy it is to get caught up in someone else’s race. To wish we were there. Going that far. In that direction. That fast. It’s easy to long for what we see God doing in someone else’s life rather than focusing on what is in front of us. We want to do what they are doing and have God work in our life the way He is working in theirs.

We want that instead of this. Because this feels really hard.

But friends, we need to trust the process.

Trust the pace by which God is growing us.

Trust that God has us where He wants us and He is working exactly as HE desires. Right now. Right where we are. Because He has a plan. And it’s good. And it will bring Him the most glory if we stay the course.

So, yes. Watch others and be inspired. Let their example motivate us to draw strength for our own run. But let’s focus on the trail before us. Right now. The next step. Not longing for what was, or what we wish would be, but on the path He has for us. Focus on HIM. The author and finisher of our faith.

When it’s hard, and long, and painful, and not at all what you expected—don’t quit. You’ve got this. Because He’s got you. He has called you for this and He will complete what He started.

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I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6