A Father Who Wouldn't Let Go

On August 3, 1992, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semi-final at the Barcelona Olympics. He had trained for years, overcome multiple surgeries, and fought his way back to elite competition. The gun fired. Derek surged forward with everything he had.

Then, halfway down the backstretch, around the 250-meter mark, his right hamstring snapped. Derek crumpled onto the track, clutching his leg, his face twisted in agony. Medical personnel rushed toward him with a stretcher. But Derek refused. He pulled himself up and began hobbling toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face.

Then the crowd of 65,000 saw a large man pushing past security guards, shoving through officials who tried to stop him. It was Jim Redmond — Derek's father. Jim reached his son, wrapped his arm around him, and said words the microphones never caught. Derek buried his face in his father's shoulder and sobbed. Together, step by agonizing step, they crossed that finish line while the entire stadium rose in a standing ovation.

Isaiah 46:4 carries the voice of a Father who makes the same promise: "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."