By Carol Doyel –
About a year ago I sensed the Lord saying – “you’re not in a race Carol”. Now I know we’re in a race to finish in our faith, but God is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:22) , it’s not something we can do in our own strength. However, what I sensed the Lord was showing me was that I’m not in a race against someone or something or a self-imposed deadline.
One of my favorite scriptures is, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)
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Do you know how to wait on the Lord, or do you feel like you’re in a race most days? Overwhelmed trying to keep up with the latest technology, apps, social media, networking, building your brand, writing another book, etc., etc., etc.?
What the Lord whispered to me in His ever so gentle way was there is no need to race anyone, a competitor – perceived or real, or a superfluous deadline. Recently the Lord revealed more to me about this, as He often does when I seek Him. He reminded me of the story about the tortoise and the hare.
I sensed the Lord saying, “It’s better to be the Tortoise Carol, slow and steady”. Although the hare broke out strong (probably in his own strength) he soon burnt out as he hopped and jumped (ahead of God as we often do) and he wore himself out to the point that he finally just laid down and fell asleep.
How many of you know the Lord doesn’t want to come back to a sleeping bride? He wants to come back to a bride whose vessel is filled with oil, with the Holy Spirit, like the wise virgins described in Matthew 25. The Lord wants His bride to be renewed, transformed, ready and waiting for Him. Not burnt out on the side of the road asleep!
The hare fell to sleep and as he slept that slow and steady tortoise passed him by and won the race!
So what are some things we can do to win the race:
- Seek God first and His righteousness so you hear and know His voice and will for your life, “…and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33) – in His timing not by your racing ahead of Him.
- Listen and obey – He requires obedience over sacrifice. Sometimes we do things because we believe we’re making a sacrifice unto the Lord, doing a good work at church, helping someone else out, volunteering at this or that, but if we do all these good things but fail to be obedient to what God is calling us to do we will “miss the mark” and end up way off the path marked out for us and most likely burned out if we’re doing all those good things in our own strength.
- Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
- Learn to rest in the Lord because as we do, we will experience His promises for our life.
There’s no need to run out ahead of God to keep up with some superfluous deadline, competitor, friend or foe – because if you trust God, and trust that he has a plan and purpose for your life it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing because all you need to do is simply keep your eyes on Jesus – moving slow and steady so you can finish strong!
Carol Doyel is Editor-in-Chief and Founder of LivingBetter50.com. She is a graduate of The Full Gospel Bible Institute and has a passion for women’s ministries, issues and lives. She and her husband of 25 years have three grown kids and three grandchildren. They currently reside in southern CA. Her desire is to inspire women to live better physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
1 thought on “Are You a Tortoise or a Hare?”
I’ve been hearing this message too! Your article is wonderful confirmation.