Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Running Through the Race of Life


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"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Giving thoughts about millions of things can ruin what we are trying to achieve. Regardless of our busy lives, we should stop sometimes and focus about what is important in life.

Gazing through my life I wonder what I have achieved so far; is it worthwhile or just a breath in the air or was a goal behind it.

Racing thoughts running through my head, why I am really here? Is it to wake up in the morning and racing down the lane with no purpose in mind except to achieve a few earthly successes?

Or was I brought up here on earth for a perfect plan that will lead me to fame and prosperity when I go back to my heavenly home?

And the question:

  • Who is helping me to achieve my goal?
  • Who can stand by me and guide me to the end of the race?

So I stopped and thought some more!!!!

  • Can God help me to achieve my goal?
  • Can His saints and angels back me up?

And then my face lit up with a smile, I finally figured it out I am not alone. I have many to back me up. Many who came and went. Many who went through the same things!

Great joy fell on me for I know there is no reason for me to worry or to be troubled for I am not alone. After all, I have many behind me cheering me on until the last minute of my life. They are making sure that I get there, so I do what it takes, like them, in order to get there too.

No more thinking, but I must be ready to start my race with more enthusiasm and willingness to achieve my goal. After all I have many behind me cheering for me and guiding me to the right pass.

But wait I should ask more questions and I need to think about this some more:

  • How long that race will be?
  • What did these people do in order to win the race?
  • Will I be able to make a different too in order to win?

Again my thoughts rushed through my mind that is not an easy task. I felt I am quitting before I am even starting.

  • What is my purpose in life?
  • Do I have what it takes to join them?

I must do a better job than that. I know I must study and figure out how and why they became winners. What can I do in order to become one of them?

In reading through the Holy Bible, I came to more understanding of God’s plan. God has a plan for each one of us. God does not put us where we are randomly, but with a complete understanding of our purpose. And then it is up to us to follow through with His plan or choose another road such as He did with:

  • Noah: through his obedience and love for God he was able to save the human race from being destroyed and vanquished by God

  • Abraham: through his obedience he became the father of all nations

  • Joseph: through his tribulations he never gave up but he continued to put God’s will first and trust in Him and that gave him courage and motivation and helped to preserve not only a whole nation but also his own family

  • Esther: through her obedience she was able to save her people from perishing

  • Moses: after he grew to be a humble person, God used him to lead His nation outside the land of Egypt

The best ingredient to achieve our goal and end the race with success is to be obedient, trusting and humble ourselves as we follow God’s plan for us.

When I learn those three things I will be able to say:

"As for me, here I am, in your hand; do with me as seems good and proper to you" (Jeremiah 26:14).

When I finally am not more satisfied with where I am right now, when I want more from my life, when I understand how God intends to use me, my life will become open to any changes. I am no longer misdirected. and my motivation and enthusiasm will grow and multiply. Then my time will depend on God’s plan for me and no longer be a concern of mine. Now I am more aware of God’s plan but:

  • What is His plan for me?
  • How can I find out?

In the Holy Bible God gave me an answer and said:

"Then he said to me, 'Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.'” (Daniel 10:12).

Through the road of obedience and humbling myself I am quite sure that God will reveal His plan to me in time and He will grant me all the help I need to achieve it too.

Written by
Nagwa Abdou


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