Ready Steady Go! (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of 4 in the eBook, entitled, Ready, Steady, Go. In Part 1 we discussed that life is a race, divided into three kinds of races: the sports race, the human race (the race of life), and the spiritual race. Part 1 looked at the sports race. Part 2 will look at the human race.
The Human Race
Now, let us consider the human race, the race of life that we all run. This race involves distinct stages: from embryo and foetus, to infant, toddler, early and middle childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and finally, the senior years. In each of these stages, you encounter challenges. These hardships and difficulties are not there to break you but to grow, empower and make you stronger.
Genetics and ancestry play a role. People often get stuck, thinking their lives are predetermined by their family’s past. However, this is where the spiritual race profoundly intersects with the human race. As Genesis 1:27 states, we are created in God’s image, and Psalm 139 affirms we are fearfully and wonderfully made. From our very creation, our human and spiritual races are inseparable. While genetics might indicate predispositions, like a family history of cancer, the Spirit of God can break these genetic chains. This spiritual intervention transcends human limitations.
Our outlook on life evolves through these stages. A teenager’s perspective differs vastly from that of an adult with responsibilities. As we grow, we learn and appreciate the efforts of those who guides us. We engage in interactions through school, work, and social circles. These interactions involve communication, understanding, empathy, sympathy, determination, knowledge, and experience – all part of life’s journey.
We also have fundamental responsibilities: we must eat, rest, and work to survive. We must also cleanse ourselves, both physically and metaphorically, to maintain well-being. Sadly, some people choose to opt out of this human race, choosing not to see it through. The Word of God reminds us that our bodies may waste away, but inwardly, we will not. This again highlights the connection between the human and spiritual aspects. While some see their stages through until it is time to be with God, others give up prematurely.
This brings me to a crucial point and a personal testimony. We interact with many people, but do we truly know what they are going through? While we should not be busybodies, we must be aware of those around us who are struggling – those who are unhappy, depressed, or feel lost, rejected, and purposeless. What are we doing to help them? We cannot truly help others without the divine essence God has placed within us, because we are spirit.
Your desire to help comes from God, who created you in His image. My husband’s father became severely depressed years ago. Despite receiving some treatment, looking back, we realise that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we could have helped him differently. It is not about fault, as each person makes their own decisions. But he was over 70, struggling with life changes, including the passing of his eldest son and old wartime traumas. He was not a talker, so he bottled up his feelings. This tragically led to him shooting my mother-in-law in her sleep and then himself. It was a tough time, and looking back, we understood he was ill and needed a different kind of help.
There are people screaming for help today, and many others we work closely with who silently struggle. We have an obligation to look around, listen, and ask the Spirit of God to show us who needs help. We have a responsibility to step up, offer prayer, or simply spend time with them. Sometimes, all a lonely person needs are someone to listen, to feel appreciated and loved. Many give up on their human race because they see no way out, and perhaps it was not yet their time. Let us be more attentive to those who might want to opt out before their appointed time.
Keep an eye out for Part 3 of the eBook, entitled, Ready, Steady, Go!
Love in Christ
Princess K