Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Let’s be real: comparison literally feels like you walked into moving traffic. It doesn’t take much—scrolling Instagram, hearing about someone else’s promotion, or watching your friends hit milestones faster than you. Suddenly, your own life feels like it’s moving in slow motion while everyone else is sprinting ahead.
She’s married. He’s thriving at work. They’re traveling the world.
And you’re… microwaving leftovers from your grandma (you didn’t even cook yourself) in sweatpants.
Been there. Still am there actually.
Comparison whispers that you’re behind. That you’re not enough. That you should be further along by now. And the worst part? It distracts you from the very thing God has called you to do.
Hebrews 12:1 says:
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Notice that last part: the race marked out for us.
Not the race your roommate is running. Not the path your coworkers are on. Not the highlight reel of your favorite influencer.
Yours.
The Problem With Comparison
When you’re busy staring at someone else’s lane, you miss what God’s doing in yours. You can’t run forward if you’re constantly looking sideways.
For me, comparison shows up loudest in my calling. I’ll see someone already doing the things I dream about—writing, leading, creating—and instead of celebrating them, I start spiraling. Why them and not me? Am I even good enough? Did I hear God wrong?
But here’s the truth: calling isn’t a competition. God doesn’t run out of purpose. There’s no scarcity in the kingdom. Her success isn’t your failure. His opportunity doesn’t cancel out yours.
Calling Looks Different for Everyone
Some people figure out their path at 18. Others stumble into it at 35. Some callings look flashy and public. Others look quiet and behind the scenes. Both matter. Both are sacred.
I used to think calling had to mean a specific career or ministry role. But I’m learning it’s less about what you do and more about who you’re becoming as you do it. Are you faithful? Are you obedient? Are you willing to keep showing up, even when no one’s clapping? That’s calling.
Throwing Off What Hinders
Hebrews tells us to “throw off everything that hinders.” For me, comparison is one of those things. It entangles me. Trips me up. Keeps me stuck in self-pity instead of moving forward in obedience.
And honestly? Throwing it off is a daily decision. Sometimes hourly. Every time I’m tempted to measure my worth by someone else’s progress, I have to remind myself: their race is not my race.
What I’m Learning (and Re-Learning):
1. Celebrate, Don’t Compete
When you see someone thriving in their calling, celebrate it. Their win doesn’t take away from yours. In fact, it proves God is still moving and still providing opportunities.
2. Stay in Your Lane
Ask yourself: what has God put in front of me today? What step of obedience can I take right now? Focus on that—not on whether it looks impressive compared to someone else’s.
3. Remember Who Called You
You weren’t called by culture. You weren’t chosen by Instagram. You were called by the God of the universe, who knows your name and marked out your race before you even took your first step.
4. Keep Running, Even When It’s Slow
Perseverance isn’t glamorous. Some days you’ll feel like you’re crawling, not running. That’s okay. Forward is forward. The pace doesn’t disqualify you—the perseverance shapes you.
Comparison will always be loud. But your calling? That’s louder—if you listen.
You don’t have to sprint in someone else’s lane. You don’t have to match their timeline. You don’t have to perform for God’s approval—you already have it.
So take a deep breath. Throw off the weight of comparison. Fix your eyes on Jesus. And keep running your race—the one marked out just for you.
Because the truth is, your lane is enough. And so are you.
Hanna Rellar 