Did you see the news about Rachel Entrekin? She ran and won the Cocodona 250. She beat everyone in record pace; every man and woman finished behind her. Consider this. Rachel ran 250 miles in a little over 56 hours at a pace of 13.20 per mile. The race took her through winding trails in Arizona with an elevation gain of 38,000’ until she crossed the finish line in Flagstaff. She told reporters she slept three times on the bare ground: five minutes and two seven-minute periods, for a total of nineteen minutes. As a poor recreational runner, I’m in total awe of Rachel’s astonishing achievement.

It’s interesting to me how often we compare ourselves to others. Why is it so hard for us to be satisfied with who God has called us to be? God has not called me to run an ultramarathon. But even if I only run a few miles a week and never run the half-marathon again, I’m still a runner.

What does this mean for my running? Is Entrekin the standard now, and if I’m unable to run 250 miles, should I quit running? That is nonsense. Even though I’ll never run 250 miles, I can still be a runner. Likewise, when it comes to spiritual growth, if you compare yourself to other Christians or ministers who spend hours in Scripture weekly, you may decide you can’t measure up, so why even try? However, even fifteen minutes a day in Scripture and prayer could be life-transforming. Furthermore, every moment you choose to shut out the noise and chaos of the world and focus your attention and affections on God is valuable and beneficial.

I’m going to do my best to run the half-marathon while being amazed at the achievements of athletes like Rachel Entrekin. I need to remember that there is no average mile pace for a 60-year-old male because the average 60-year-old isn’t running. If you spend fifteen minutes a day in Scripture and prayer, you will be well above average. You may not become a preacher or the next great teacher of the Word, but if you consistently spend fifteen minutes a day in the Word and prayer, you will be a growing and transforming Christian. Well done!