Stay in Your Lane

The Greek races in Bible times included 200 yards, 400 yards, 3 miles, armor, and torch races. Some runners were best for short distances, and others had a build suited for the races where they  carried 50-70 pounds of armor. No doubt, this is what the author of Hebrews was thinking of when he wrote this verse.

In those races, the Judge of the Games determined the course. Likewise, God chooses our "race," for He knows which path is best for us. Our individual "race" is already planned out. The troubles (obstacles), location, and length of the course is chosen by God.

Often, we are tempted to look at the race "set" before others, thinking, "They have it much easier than I do," or "They have more talents and abilities," or "They aren't weighed down with armor (problems) like I am." There is an old saying: "Stay in your lane." Believing that a change in "lanes" (family, wealth, talents, circumstances) will  help you in your race is a great distraction! 

When Jesus told Peter his "race" would include hardship and death, Peter asked, "What shall [John] do?" (John 21:21). Jesus said, "What is that to thee? follow thou me." In other words, "Peter, stay in your lane. Run your own race with patience and endurance."

Comparison living is dangerous. It will steal our joy and take our eyes off the goal and onto the race of others. How important that we do not become distracted by desiring a lane that God did not appoint for us! With God's help, let us "press on to the goal" (Philippians 3:14) and stay in our lane.

Each of us may be sure that if God sends us on stony paths,
He will provide us with strong shoes, and He will not send us
out on any journey for which He does not equip us well.
—     MacLaren