Sometimes I try to run other people’s races. I see their success or the path God has them on and think it would be marvy to join that race. Only problem is it’s not the race God has mapped for me. And soon I tire, or I get discouraged, or I realize I’m running down a path God never intended me to run.

Thankfully, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10, NIV). God is mindful of my path, and He’s a gentleman to correct me gently and set my feet back on the path He has for me {and you!}

In that, my job becomes listening to Him, being faithful in small things, trusting Him for bigger things, and enduring like crazy. This life He has us all on is a marathon of epic proportions. And it involves this deep, deep knowing that God sees me here and knows what is best.

He has a spectacular, breathless plan for this world. And all I need to do is run my race, cheer you on yours, and make it to the finish.

I’d like to bless you by reminding you of some awesome, helpful scriptures. I pray these touch and encourage you as you seek to run the race God sets out before you.

• “Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path….Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:11, 14-15
• “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me…Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:1-5
• “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
• “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7
• “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

 Q4u: Have you ever tried to run someone else’s race? Have you been discouraged on your own? When have you felt like giving up?