Originally published Monday, 28 June 2021.
(Photo Credit: Canva)
Hey there! I am so glad that you clicked onto this post. Get ready to sit back, buckle up, and enjoy this encouraging ride. Are you ready? I hope you said or thought, “Of course! That’s why I clicked on, Courtnaye. Let's go!”
I love it!
Okay, well then, my response to that thought or statement would be, “I'm with you, Sister!" Because guess what? It’s time for you to stay focused on your own lane as you step out to do what God is calling you to do. Now, let's dive in a little more.
Think about when you’re driving your car or truck, you’ve got to stay focused on your lane, right? Either that or you could risk veering over without much attention and getting hurt (or hurting others in the process). Well, it’s the same way as it relates to your purpose. If you step out of your lane and start focusing on what everyone else is doing around you, you can run the risk of getting hurt, emotionally.
How many times have you maybe found yourself looking at other people's lives around you or on social media platforms while thinking to yourself, "I would love to be doing that." Or "How do I get where she is?" Or how about just pausing there for a little too long while suddenly finding yourself getting a little jealous, sad, hopeless, discouraged, or feeling inadequate? Ever been there before?
I have been there!
For me personally, I have to admit (regarding my industry), I've found myself saying, “It’s like a crowded highway. It looks like a lot of us are doing either the same thing or something quite similar.” It just seems jam-packed! I would say, "The Social Media Highway is super crowded right now."
In addition, I know some of us have even compared ourselves one to another with heart-thoughts like, “Lord, why is it taking me so long to get where she is?” And “I don’t have as many followers as her. Will anyone consider me for opportunities based on these social media numbers?”
And I’ve had thoughts like, “Father, it seems like we’re all saying the same thing. Is anyone even paying attention anymore? I feel like many of us are posting the same things, competing for the same audiences, and preaching to the choir.” That was me losing focus.
But God and in His amazing love for me began showing me that I needed to stay focused on my own lane. That I needed to simply trust Him to open doors and opportunities according to His will and plan for my life (which He definitely has). He was showing me that I didn’t need to compare myself to others or be concerned with whether or not the work that I was doing was effective. He just wanted me to focus on what He entrusted me to do and not compare myself to others and He wants the same for you, sis.
One of the passages of Scripture that I absolutely LOVE and has helped me to stay focused on my own lane as I do what God has called me to do is found 1 Corinthians 3:1-7. Starting at verse 4 the apostle Paul states, “When one of you says, ‘I am a follower of Paul,’ and another of you says, ‘I am a follower of Apollos,’ aren’t you acting just like the people of the world.” Ouch! Comparison alert!
He goes on to say in verse 6, “After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” BOOM! Mic drop!
Paul isn’t finished. He continues in verse 7, “It’s not important who does the planting or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.” And here’s the punchline in verse 8, “The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” Yes!!!!
Listen. Here’s the truth, sis. We’re all doing our part on this Christian journey. All of us have a calling. And as Christians, it’s important to know that we’re all on the same team. We’re all in this together. We’re all about doing what God has called us to do. But it takes focusing on Him and our own mission, while not being lured into the sneaky game of comparison.
So, if God has called you to be a wife, be the best wife that you can to your husband. If God has called you to be a mother, be the best mother that you can be to your children. If God has called you to be a stay-at-home mom, administrator, nurse, teacher, evangelist, writer, speaker, leader, or entrepreneur, be the best that you can be.
Know that God has made you different. Unique. Special. Valuable. So, just be you, my sister. Remember, stay focused on your own lane and enjoy the ride!
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
~Ephesians 2:10
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
BONUS: Watch my short video message on "Staying Focused On Your Own Lane."
Question: Are you riding in your own lane right now or starting to veer off? Let me know by emailing me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. Also, if you need prayer, let me know and I'll pray for you, too.
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Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in Christ, character, and calling. She is an author and sought-out speaker. Her speaking appearances include She Speaks, Hope*Writers Tuesday Teaching, Christian Parenting Conference, and Entrusted Women’s Conference. In addition, her blog and podcast, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe! She is also the founder of the faith-based marketing and mentorship agency, Inside Out Media Group, LLC, where she’s worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, TCT Networks, and Yahoo. Connect with her at www.courtnayerichard.com or on Instagram @insideoutwithcourtnaye.
Click here to see the full list of Inside Out with Courtnaye episodes!
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