Hebrews 12:1 encourages us: Therefore since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
There is so much we can learn from this verse, but let us focus for a minute on the words: “the race that is set before us.”

The only race we can run as Christians is the one which is set before US. We can’t run a race we wish we were in but are not. We can’t run someone else’s race. We can’t run Moses’ or Mary’s or Peter’s race. And we can’t run the race set before the pastor or your friend or relative either. We may think we could do better than they did/are with their course, but that is not the question. God has not called you to run their race. The question of your life is: how are you running the one which is set before YOU?!

The only life you are responsible to live is the one which God has given you, with your particular scenario and your individual circumstances. Perhaps your life is not what you might wish for. Maybe you wish you were on the mission field teaching hundreds of children about Jesus instead of having to vacuum the carpet or make dinner or discipline your own kids. Maybe your day, or your week, holds events or responsibilities that you would not prefer to have to deal with — but you cannot control many of those things. You are responsible before God to run “the race that is set before (you).”

What is it that is set before you today? It doesn’t matter if you would like to be doing something else, or wish you were running someone else’s course. The only race you can win is the one you are in. The only reward you can possibly attain will come from being faithful in the opportunities you actually have. So don’t waste the rest of your life wishing you were in another event. Do your best with the responsibilities God has given you. Run the race which is set before you.