Prayer Journey — Stay in Your Lane

Posted on by Chris G Thelen

“Stay in your lane.” I hear you telling me dear Lord. “Run the race I marked out for you.” Yet I see runners next to me, runners leaner and more fit. Runners with better coaches. Runners with a cheering section. Runners with supportive families. Runners with lucrative sponsors to help them.

“Stay in your lane,” God tells me. “This is the race I have marked out for you, only you.” He tells me this is the path he has chosen for me to run. He tells me he chose me for this race at this time. He tells me I am uniquely qualified to run this race, even though the people in the lanes next to me look better qualified to win. “Run the race marked out for you,” he shouts from the sidelines. “Victory is yours!” I have the best coach around.

My legs ache. I fight for breathe. I struggle to keep running. Voices in my head tell me to quit, but I press on. I can’t see the finish line. I don’t know if I can keep this pace. I watch other runners pass me with ease. I look ahead and see Jesus waving me on. “Follow my lead,” he smiles.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But 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. – Phillipians 3:13-14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

© 2019 CGThelen

20 thoughts on “Prayer Journey — Stay in Your Lane”

  1. Thank you. This is both an encouraging and challenging blog. We are all called of God but only HE KNOWS what we may be considering as totally insignificant. yet someone on the Way may find the example or influence is LIFE CHANGING. I’m glad I dropped by. All writers can have an impact on others that God alone know how much. Keep running Bro, Keep you eyes on Jesus. Blessings. f. if you would like to see a bit more of my life. I write passionately about Christ but I also write stories (Bear Stories that have my prayer Hope are an influence of love and care.) http://www.golden-rains.com Please visit if you would like. Stories can be printed out for children. Praise God for constant inspiration!

  2. Pingback: Prayer Journey — Stay in Your Lane — 140 Character Christian – quietmomentswithgod

  5. Amen. May we keep our eyes on Jesus. I struggle a great deal with the comparison game myself. This is a great reminder. Thanks and God bless!

  6. Great advice for me. I tend to be like a puppy not paying attention to much but all the interesting and Unnecessary paths around me. Learning to listen and hear the masters voice saying “dont just do something, stand there, wait, listen, follow me.

  7. This leads me to think on Psalm 73:
    …But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
    …Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

  8. Wisdom filled words, thank you! One of the greatest stumbling blocks I and many others encounter happens when we take our focus off the Lord. This happens far too frequently because of our tendency to look over at the other lanes and compare ourselves with what we see. Instead, we must make the effort to remember who we are because of Christ. I know when I do this, I keep my eyes more closely tuned onto my Coach!
    Blessings,
    Pastor Chuck

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