In an inspiring story titled “Last runner to finish New York City Marathon shares harrowing journey to triumph” published by ABC News Wednesday, it was reported that Juan Pablo Dos Santos crossed the finish line of the 26.2 mile iconic NYC race just after midnight on Monday morning. "It was a complete mental struggle where pain was present and only increasing," Dos Santos told ABC News Digital following the marathon this week, in an interview translated from Spanish to English.
Not long after midnight on Monday, Nov. 3, after more than 15 hours of running, Dos Santos was cheered across the finish line like a champion, becoming the final runner to complete the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon..
Dos Santos' journey to the Central Park finish line started long before Nov. 2.
On Sept. 8, 2019, Dos Santos lost both of his legs in a destructive car crash. "The [prognosis was] not good at all," he said. "There was reconstruction in my hip, in my pelvis, in what was left of my lower limbs, and the majority of the prosthesis specialists and traumatologists dared to say that I would never walk again." He sure proved them wrong!
"After passing the finish line, for about 10 minutes, it was as if the tiredness, pain and exhaustion were completely gone," he recalled. "I was just thinking about the purpose for which [I had run] this race ... and how many people were seeing this and being inspired and realizing that they can also fight to achieve their dreams."
Dos Santos said he wants his achievement to inspire people to chase goals that might feel unreachable.
"If any of those people feel that they are coming late to their dreams, if any of those people feel that it is too late to try those things that they love," he said, "this is the proof that no matter if you arrive last, you have to cross the finish line."
And, you know, when it comes to the race of life, Jesus, when speaking to the disciples about what they should expect here on Earth, made it clear that they (and all followers) would, without exception, face difficulties and suffering on their way to the finish line. Knowing they would be discouraged by the words, "In this world you will have trouble," Jesus went on to encourage them by saying "but take heart! I have overcome the world," Jesus was not only offering hope that their troubles could be "overcome" through faith, steadfastness, peace, and courage, but that they could actually work for the good of the one experiencing them and for those around them who would be witnessing their faith, steadfastness, peace, and courage.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
The latter purpose is the very reason we are told rejoice in our trials because, if we have placed our trust in Jesus Christ, we know that EVERY hardship we experience has a purpose! "Trials of many kinds" not only increase our perseverance but when we endure the “testing” of our faith with hope and a steadfast and unshakeable belief and trust in God, our faith is shown to be true! And this is what inspires the lost to seek Jesus.
You see, it’s easy to follow Jesus when life is sunshine and rainbows. Even those on the fence do that! But what about when it’s not? What about when tragedy strikes, the storm clouds move in, and a person's life is turned upside down? Those without a true faith in Jesus crumble, despair and lose all hope. But true believers, who are called to be set apart, praise God and continue to display a confident and joyful expectation of future good based on God's character and promises. Because that’s what God does!
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20
God takes those things the enemy intended to harm us with (sickness, disease, accidents, death, wayward children, stresses at our job, etc.) and works it “for good” in a way that only God can. That’s why believers must continue to trust even when they don’t understand! And continue to say, “Lord I don’t know why this trial has come upon me but I trust in your ability to bring good from it. Show me what my purpose is in this season of hardship Lord and give me the strength to fulfill it so that others might be inspired to seek You because of it.”
“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” Isaiah 46:10
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
So, no matter what you’re going through today, trust the Lord my friend. Continue to praise Him in EVERY situation knowing that the One who knows “the end from the beginning” can and will work your situation for good as He has for every believer since the beginning of time. That’s a promise for all believers "who love him" and "who have been called according to his purpose."
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You work all things for the good of those who love You and are called according to your purpose. Lord, if there’s someone reading this today, that is not a believer in You, I pray today is the day that they will make the decision to follow you with their whole heart so they will have the peace that surpasses all understanding in this world no matter what trial or tribulation might come their way and the confidence that one day they will spend eternity with You in heaven. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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