Running on Borrowed Legs

In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal. He had trained for years, endured multiple surgeries, and finally made it to the biggest stage in the world. When the gun fired, he burst from the blocks strong. Then, halfway down the backstretch, his hamstring snapped.

Redmond crumpled to the track. Medical personnel rushed toward him with a stretcher, but he waved them off. He stood up. And he started hopping toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face. The crowd of 65,000 rose to their feet.

Then something remarkable happened. A large man pushed past security and ran onto the track. It was Jim Redmond — Derek's father. He wrapped his arm around his son's waist and said, "We're going to finish this together." And they did. Father and son crossed that finish line while the entire stadium wept.

That is the gospel in running shoes. Because courage is not the absence of pain. Courage is standing back up when everything in you says to quit — and discovering that your Father has already run onto the track to meet you.

The Almighty never promised us a race without injury. But He did promise us this: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Whatever race you are limping through today, look up. Your Father is already on His way.