The Power of the Handoff: Learning to Stay in Your Lane

“Oh wow! Now, after all of these years, I finally understand!”

Those were the words that echoed in my heart as I reflected on my father’s unique approach to life and ministry. My dad had this rare ability to start something—an idea, a project, a ministry—nurture it, refine it, and then hand it over for someone else to take further. He would labor tirelessly to build a strong foundation, and just when most would settle in to enjoy the fruits of their efforts, he would look for the right person—someone gifted, willing, and anointed—to carry it forward.

For years, I didn’t understand it. I used to think, “Why would anyone give away something they’ve worked so hard to build?” But over time, I’ve learned… my dad was not quitting—he was staying in his lane.

Staying in Your Lane

My father understood what many of us struggle to grasp: not every builder is meant to be the finisher. He was content to pioneer, knowing that his assignment was to start with obedience and lay a foundation upon which others could build.

Before he transitioned to life eternal, he once again demonstrated this principle. He sought to hand over the ministry that God had used him to build, recognizing that the people he shepherded needed someone with stronger administrative gifts and the ability to carry them further. That decision, to some, might have looked like stepping back or giving up. But in reality, it was an act of humility and wisdom—one that ensured the future flourishing of the work God had begun.

Scripture reminds us:

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”— 1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)

Paul didn’t compete with Apollos—he celebrated their different roles in the same mission. Each served his purpose faithfully, trusting that God alone brings results.

Just like Paul and Apollos, my father understood the beauty of teamwork within the Kingdom of God. He was content to run his leg of the race and pass the baton to another who would continue toward the finish line.

Life is a Relay, not a Sprint

If you’ve ever watched a relay race, you know the importance of timing, coordination, and trust in the handoff. Each runner is strategically placed based on their strengths. One athlete may be great out of the blocks, while another has an incredible finishing kick. The race isn’t won by one person alone—it’s the result of every runner’s disciplined effort.

In the same way, life and faith are about knowing when to run your leg with excellence and when to release control for the next person to advance further.

“...Let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”— Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)

Running our race means staying faithful to our lane—our call, our gifts, our season—and trusting that God will raise up others to continue what we’ve helped to establish.

The baton isn’t passed carelessly. There is strategy in the handoff so that the next runner can receive it securely. The same is true in life and ministry. Whether in our families, businesses, or spiritual callings, we must intentionally prepare the next generation to take the baton firmly and run further than we did.

“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.”— Psalm 145:4 (KJV)

When we live generationally—thinking beyond ourselves—we ensure that God’s work continues to grow and expand even after our leg of the race is done.

Legacy Through Humility

My father often said, “All knowledge is secondary, and it is an ill‑informed person who carries an air of superiority about something learned.” Those words now strike me deeply. They remind me that every revelation, every success, every skill we gain is built upon someone else’s labor.

Moses had Joshua. Elijah had Elisha. Jesus commissioned the disciples to continue what He began.

The Kingdom of God is multi‑generational by design. It thrives when each generation honors what came before while advancing forward with fresh grace.

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it:...”— Psalm 127:1 (KJV)

True builders understand that they are co‑laborers with God and with one another. They don’t need credit; they seek continuity. They care more about what is being built than who gets the applause.

Honoring the Runners Before Us

Sometimes, the final runner—the one who crosses the finish line—is celebrated as the winner. Yet, without the faithful runners before them, there would be no victory at all. The same holds true in life.

The visible success of today stands on the hidden sacrifices of yesterday’s laborers. Our parents, mentors, pastors, and teachers—those who quietly ran before us—deserve our honor. Take time to remember and appreciate them.

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”— Hebrews 13:7 (NASB)

To honor them is not to live in the past but to acknowledge the foundation upon which we stand. Gratitude keeps the baton firm in our hand.

🔄 Running Our Race Well

As you reflect on your own life, ask yourself:

• Am I being intentional with my season of the race?

• Am I preparing someone to receive the baton after me?

• Have I taken time to honor those who ran before me?

Every generation is both a receiver and a giver—a bridge between what was and what will be. One day, we will hand off what God entrusted to us. May we do so gracefully, strategically, and joyfully.

“...Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things...”— Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

The goal isn’t to finish everything ourselves, but to run faithfully, in obedience, until it’s time to pass the baton with confidence that God’s Kingdom will continue to advance long after we’re gone.

Closing Reflection

My father taught me this with his life: finishing well doesn’t always mean finishing first. It means obeying the call God gave you, doing it with excellence, and ensuring what you leave behind is strong enough for others to build upon.

In the Kingdom, there is no competition—only collaboration across generations. May each of us learn to stay in our lane, run our race with faith and integrity, and hand the baton to the next generation so that the victory belongs to God alone.

Coach

Kathryn

Sometimes, the final runner—the one who crosses the finish line—is celebrated as the winner. Yet, without the faithful runners before them, there would be no victory at all.