The race does not always belong to the swift. It usually goes to the consistent.

My dad was a trucker all his life. When we went on vacation, we couldn’t help but notice how many cars passed us again and again. They would drive so fast and swerve in and out of traffic. Then, before you knew it, they would be behind you and passing again. Here’s the interesting thing: we always wound up at the destination before they did.

Being eternally and incurably curious, I asked my dad about this amazing phenomenon. He taught me an old trucker’s trick — keep your speed consistent. You save gas and time.

As you might guess, that lesson has been invaluable to me many times over in many different situations. It just seems to be one of those never changing truths — the consistent always wind up ahead. I have seen it in the ministry; I have seen it in sales; I have seen it in building. Stay consistent no matter what.

Now some would call that being set in your ways, becoming crusty, in a rut. But they are vastly different concepts. One is the result of giving up on life, the other is the result of experiencing life. The one set in his ways goes nowhere and enjoys nothing. The consistent one arrives at a goal and sees things along the way which are missed by the speeder and the sleeper.

Some people are in a rut. They speed through life just doing things. Then there is the consistent person — ever learning, discovering, revealing with insight to friends and family. The consistent one never forgets his goal. He keeps his speed constant, thereby saving energy and time. The interesting thing about him is that he produces so very much in his lifetime. He has scores of things to show that he has accomplished in life. What a treasure trove he has produced.

The life-producer’s prayer includes the desire for consistency, and that is the normal result of prayer. I pray you will become consistent in your life. Just watch what happens when you do!

Happy producing!