Run Hard. Love Strong.

Does anyone else struggle with comparing themselves to others? Goodness knows that I do. I look at some person that I admire and wonder why I can't be like that, why I can't be so beautiful, talented, have that wonderful family, grace, faith...

If anyone is reading this and nodding in agreement, I hope that you are encouraged that you are not alone. I was reminded of the verse of scripture that says that no struggle has come upon you that is not common to humanity. There is comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

As I was drying my hair this morning (glorious white noise of a hair dryer allows free-flowing thought), I felt the gentle nudging of God reminding me to run my race. Run to win. Run hard. Running to win requires focus on my path. If I were running a literal race, my focus could not be on any other person if I expected to run well. Horses running races have blinders put next to their eyes to block out distractions. I need some blinders.

When we focus on what we think we lack in comparison to others, we lose all perspective of what we do have. We become depressed, and obsessed with idolizing that person in our minds. We place them on a pedestal, an unrealistic one might I add. When I have that person in my mind, it is usually someone that I either do not know at all, or am merely acquainted with. Surely if we really knew that person, we would see that they are imperfect, sometimes selfish, not always dressed up, and yes, they too struggle in marriage and other relationships. They get stressed, they fall short. They very well may even struggle with exactly what we are talking about: self-comparison.

Here's the problem--this behavior is emotional suicide! We lose ourselves and the joy of the lives that we have been given in this fictional image of another person! The enemy of our souls rages against us and robs us of all joy by whispering that seductive lie: "If you were only like HER, you would be happy, content, joyful. If your husband looked like THAT. If you had THAT talent. If you had THAT personality. If you had THIS many facebook friends. If you held THAT title, then life would be good." Dear friend, hear me now---let's put down the vile of poison. Let's put up our spiritual blinders and run the race set before us, fixing our eyes upon Jesus---the author and finisher of our faith.

Peter compared himself to John. He saw the disciple that Jesus loved, and after all that Jesus had done to restore Peter personally, still asked Jesus, "Well, what about that guy? Why can't I do what he is doing." Jesus, direct as He is, cut to the chase. He looked at Peter and said, "Don't worry about him. YOU follow me." That is our call. YOU (Me) follow Him. Today. Now.

Scripture reminds us that we are equipped for everything that God has for us. We have been given everything for life and godliness. Seek the shelter of the Good Shepherd that fights off our enemy that steals, kills, and destroys life and joy. Claim what has been given to you in Christ, and know that you are uniquely and wonderfully made.

Let us pray for hearts that understand greater what Christ has accomplished for us. Let us look to Him and stand in awe at who HE is, rather than the life of so-and-so. Let us be amazed that not only is Christ so wonderful, but He is intimately involved in our lives. He is humble, and loves us. THAT is truly worthy of gratitude. Let us pray for understanding of what this means so that we are no longer tempted to be ungrateful for the lives that we as individuals have been given, or to idolize the imperfect lives of others.