Be Inspired, Not Discouraged
When you see someone excelling—whether in school, sports, relationships, work, self-discipline, or communication—what’s your first reaction? Do you feel motivated to grow in that area, or do you feel left out, thinking, “Why don’t I have those abilities?” Or worse, “I could never do that”?
Hebrews 12 offers us encouragement for moments like this:
“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let’s throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11—people who trusted God against impossible odds—are recorded not to make us feel small, but to inspire us. Their lives are meant to encourage us to step into the faith and purpose God has for us personally.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. We look at someone else’s success and either feel like failures or become prideful. As the apostle Paul reminds us, comparing ourselves to others is unhelpful:
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“Each one should test their own actions.” (Galatians 6:4)
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“Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships… for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Comparison steals focus from our own journey. Instead, we can learn from others’ stories—listen to their struggles, motivations, and victories—and allow those stories to inspire, not intimidate us. Their journey can spark ideas, courage, and faith in our own “race marked out” by God.
Hebrews 12:2 points us to the ultimate source of inspiration:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…”
Jesus ran the race marked out for Him with joy, enduring unimaginable pain because of His connection with the Father and His faith in the purpose before Him. When we focus on Him, we find our own direction, strength, and joy to run the race God has for us.
So next time you see someone accomplishing great things, let it inspire you, not discourage you. Connect with their story, but bring it before Jesus. Let His Spirit guide you to embrace your unique gifts and calling. Throw off comparison. Run your race. Be encouraged. Be inspired.
With you,
~ Coach Tom
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P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are three ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!
1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here
2. Join my FaceBook Group, "Greater Focus and Fruitfulness" for more teaching, training and community. Click Here
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