It trips us up every time…
We know we’re not supposed to compare ourselves with others. We hate the mental and emotional torment that it brings.
But escaping the comparison trap can be a tricky endeavor.
Today’s guest blogger is a true gift to me. God brought author and speaker, Holley Gerth, into my life this past year and her down-to-earth transparency has ministered to my soul in so many ways. But it’s the beautiful way she gives God access to every part of her life that blesses me most.
Today’s guest post offers a peak into Holley’s life. But I’m pretty sure, like me, you’ll catch glimpses of your own.
Running Your Own Race
“Sure, I’ll run with you,” I tell a new friend.
Until now, I’ve hit the pavement alone. Headphones blasting Mandisa in my ears. Prayers in my heart. I don’t pay attention to how fast I go. I don’t have goals for how far I want to get. I just run with Jesus for the joy of it.
But as soon as I agree to run with someone else, everything changes. Suddenly I’m worried about my pace. I feel like I need to go farther and faster. I try to picture my stride and ensure I look good. Anxiety replaces anticipation when I think about my next time to hit the trail.
My routine hasn’t shifted but my focus has.
I was reminded of that one morning as I sat at my keyboard with tears in my eyes. “Jesus,” I whispered, “I’m so tired. There are too many people to please and too much work to do.”
Somehow I’d slipped back into my old patterns of striving. Of spending my days pursuing the approval of those around me. Did I keep up with what’s happening on social media? Did I make enough progress with my next project? How did I come across to those around me?
My soul needed the answers in these words . . .
“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” {Philippians 3:13-14}
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” {Hebrews 12:1-2}
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”
{2 Timothy 4:7}
Yes, I’m called to love the other runners around me, but they can’t be my first focus.
Where my vision goes, my feet will follow. If I try to please everyone, then I’ll drift from the path God has for me. I’ll run miles and miles more than He ever intended and then wonder why I’m weary. And I’m sure to lose my peace along the way.
I breathe a sigh of relief as the worry pushing me forward finally relents. I have the truth I need to put the joy back in my steps: I don’t have to go fast. I don’t have to go far. I simply need to run with, for, and toward Jesus.
My finish line is not a place. My finish line is a Person. I’ll know I’ve completed my race when I see Him face-to-face and hear Him say, “Well done.”
More About Holley Gerth
Finding and running the race set out for us…
To me, that the heart behind the ministry the Lord has given to Holley Gerth. As her website’s “about” page so eloquently puts it, she is an:
- * author * encourager * life coach * follower of Jesus * friend to YOU!”
Holley’s written some incredible books, such as: You’re Already Amazing, You’re Loved No Matter What, and my personal favorite, Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream (as well as others!)
Be sure to visit www.HolleyGerth.com to learn more about her books and ministry.
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I’d love to hear from you…What part of the “comparison trap” do you have to fight the most?