Running on a Broken Leg

On July 27, 1996, the United States women's gymnastics team stood on the edge of history at the Atlanta Olympics. They had never won a team gold medal. Everything came down to the final vault — and it belonged to eighteen-year-old Kerri Strug. On her first attempt, she landed awkwardly and heard something pop. She had torn two ligaments in her ankle. The pain was immediate and searing. Coach Béla Károlyi looked at her and asked the question that would define her career: "Can you do it?"

With one vault remaining, Strug sprinted down the runway on a damaged ankle, launched herself into the air, stuck the landing on both feet, then immediately lifted her injured foot and collapsed. The score was enough. Gold for the United States.

What struck millions watching that night wasn't just athletic grit — it was the willingness to run toward something painful because something larger was at stake.

Joshua heard a similar charge from the Almighty before crossing the Jordan: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Courage in scripture is never the absence of fear. It is the decision to move forward because the One who calls you is faithful.

You may be limping into your next step of obedience. Take it anyway. The God who stands on the other side of your fear has never lost.