Be a Pace-setter in Faith

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“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” – Hebrews 12:1-2.

In a race, some people run as pace-setters. Their job is to start the race at a specified speed and assist top competitors in maintaining that speed throughout the race. They do it by setting the tempo by running at the pre-agreed speed and ensuring that the race isn’t started too slowly or too fast. Their main goal is not to win the race, but to assist those running behind them to finish strong.

Similarly, we have people who run as pace-setters in our lives. They are like role models. They go ahead of us to set the standards, so that we may follow in their footsteps of excellence, character, steadiness, and perseverance. With spiritual pace-setters, they don’t run to win the race or show off; they understand that their job is to help those behind them finish strong.

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages the spirit of togetherness when running a race marked out for us. It reads, “Let us run with perseverance.” When life’s moments happen, it may feel like you are falling behind, alone, like you can’t keep up with everyone because of all the negative things that are coming against you. It’s during such difficult times in life that the enemy may try to make you quit the race, get off the course by planting negative thoughts into your mind. The enemy may tell you, ‘You can’t make it, the journey is too big for you, you are not enough, or that you are running alone.’

However, the Good News is, we have Jesus, our pace-setter. He runs ahead so we may follow in His footsteps. He’s our steadiness on uneven paths, and whenever we feel like quitting or when we fall, He slows down and helps us get back up in the race through His Word that nourishes our souls. When we fix our eyes on the pace-setter, Jesus, we can finish our race strong.

There are people in the Bible whom we consider heroes of faith. These people model consistency in prayer, devotion to God, faithfulness, perseverance, humility, kindness, and integrity in leadership. They set the pace by leading and inspiring others to follow Christ Jesus. In the Old Testament, people like Moses helped establish the rhythm of obedience, faith, perseverance, and steadiness for the Israelites to follow. In Exodus 33:15, Moses said, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” This helped in setting a rhythm of dependence and prayer for the Israelites.

Joshua led the Israelites through courage and consistency in obedience to God. In Joshua 24:15, he said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua’s words of courage helped set the standards for families, the nation and the future generations to always serve the Living God.

In the book of Judges, we find Deborah blessed with both God’s wisdom and courage. Through this, she set the pace by leading the people of Israel through wisdom, faith and courage. Her discernment and courage inspired others to rise and fight.

These are some of the pace-setters from the Old Testament. Even in our present time, God still calls both men and women to be pace-setters for others. To inspire, encourage and lead others to Christ by faithfully following in His footsteps. You too can be a pace-setter for your family, in your relationships, at work and even in your community.

When called to be a pace-setter, it is not about speed or winning the race for yourself. But walking a journey of steadiness and putting the interest of others first. Just as Paul encourages us in Philippians 2:4, “Don’t look out for only your interests, but take an interest in others, too.” In every area of your life, you can be a pace-setter. One who sets a steady spiritual pace in prayer, love, faith, patience and perseverance. As you continue to encourage others, uplifting them, being generous with your gifts and resources and showing consistency even when times are hard, you are setting a rhythm for others to follow. Always remember it is not about finishing first, but finishing well and strong – together.

 

 

 

 

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