Pastor Joel Osteen Daily Devotional October 9 2023.

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:1–2, NIV “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Years ago, a friend invited me to come to his house after we played basketball at the gym, so I jumped in the car with him. He had a really beautiful sports car. As we were driving to his house, I noticed he was taking the long way. He could have saved a few miles taking the direct route. I asked why he didn’t go the easy way. He said, “My ex-girlfriend lives on this street. I always drive by to make sure she sees what she’s missed out on.” They had been broken up for almost ten years, but every chance he got, he still went out of his way to prove that she was missing out, to prove that he was successful, to prove that he was happy without her. What’s funny is that he found out later she had moved across town years earlier. All that time he was driving by, proving his point, she wasn’t even there.

I wonder how many times we’re trying to prove something to someone and the person isn’t even paying attention. We’re trying to impress people who don’t even care. We’re competing with someone who doesn’t even know we’re competing. Yes, it’s good to have goals, it’s good to have people who challenge us and inspire us to go further, but we’re not going to be blessed if our motives are not pure. When our motive in trying to impress someone is to feed our ego, to pay them back, to show them how great we are, or to make up for our lack of self-worth, that’s a dead-end street. Let God fight your battles. Let Him promote you. Let Him vindicate you. His favor upon us is not so we can prove that we’re talented or as good as someone else. It’s to fulfill our assignment. It’s to advance the Kingdom.

How much time and energy are you spending trying to feel good enough, talented enough, smart enough, worthy enough? It’s not worth it. Try a different approach. Come out from under the pressure of striving and working. You have nothing to prove. What people think about you doesn’t determine your destiny. Accomplishing more is nice, but it’s not going to make you more valuable. Your income may increase, but your value is not going to increase.

Don’t get baited into being competitive, trying to outperform, thinking that’s going to give you more worth. Run your race. Stay focused on what you’re called to do. Don’t live for other people’s applause; live for God’s applause.

Heavenly Father, I know in my heart that I am approved by You, the Most High God. You, the Almighty Creator, formed me in the womb and knew me even before I was born. Thank You for calling me Your beloved child and that I no longer have to strive to prove myself to others. I am going to run the race You have put in front of me, embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. With Your grace, I will overcome every adversity that comes my way. You have equipped me with unique gifts to fulfill the dreams You have placed within my heart. Today, I boldly declare that I will become all that You created me to be. With Your guidance and love, I will shine brightly, inspiring others to find hope and purpose. In the precious Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.