THAILAND — Just before getting out of our truck at 4:30 a.m. to line up for his half marathon, my husband turned to me and said, “Pray that I’ll run my own race.” There would be lots of other runners with varying levels of ability and experience. Some would be faster than him, and some would be slower, but that didn’t matter and he knew it. He couldn’t run anyone else’s race. Comparing himself to other runners wouldn’t help him or them. He wanted to run well according to his own ability.

I’m happy to report that my husband did run well — shaving a few minutes off his personal goal — and he also encouraged other runners in their own races.

My husband and I often remind each other, “Run your own race.” Not just when we’re hitting the trails, but also when we’re studying the language, spending time with Thai people, and meeting with our teammates.

We don’t want to compare, compete, or worry when our life and ministry don’t look like someone else’s. We simply want to follow Jesus and make disciples through what God has given us here in Thailand.

All of us are running together. But we must all run our races with the grace and guidance God gives us individually. It will look a little different for each of us. And that’s something to be celebrated, because God is working in the lives of people all around the world.

When we decide to be authentic, we are free to participate in the work He is doing without hindering ourselves and others. We are free to see what He is doing around us and join Him in the work.


Crossworld worker Chrissy and her family make disciples in Thailand.