I find it intriguing that marathon runners start in a very large group and then, as the miles pass, they are separated, some by great distances.  Each runner runs differently, they have their own style, their own pace.  Each person is motivated differently; they take on a rhythm that suits them. 

The race that we run as a Christian can feel like that of a marathon runner.  We may have gotten started at the same time, maybe as a teen, with all of our Christian friends running with us; but somewhere along the way some started breaking away from the pack, pulling out, getting further down the road.  Others fell back, stumbled a little, were still running but got behind the majority.  Each person, each Christian has to find their own pace, their own style.  My race is not yours and yours is not mine. 

Unfortunately, we often have a tendency to compare ourselves to one another, feeling less adequate as if we are not cut out for this race. As time passes, and the miles behind us fade away, we begin to realize that we cannot compare our race to other Christians.  We were not created the same and we don’t have the same purpose.  Each one of us has that common goal, but along the way, we need to stay strong, courageous, and not give up.  We need to keep running, and no matter what, keep racing!  

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11, 13

Know that your Heavenly Father is counting on you to finish your race, not someone else's.  He has a plan and a purpose for you. It doesn’t matter what your age is when you get going.  It doesn't matter how much further along it seems that others are who started about the same time you did. God cares about your character more than the pace. This is how we truly win the race.

Acts 20:24 says, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me,  if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...”

Submitted by Amy Kuhns