The Fall That Became a Finish Line

On August 3, 1992, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal at the Barcelona Olympics. He had trained for years, overcome multiple surgeries, and finally stood on the edge of his dream. Then, halfway through the race, his hamstring snapped. He crumpled to the track in agony.

What happened next remains one of the most replayed moments in Olympic history. Redmond pulled himself up and began hobbling toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face. Then a large man pushed past security and onto the track. It was Jim Redmond, Derek's father. He wrapped his arm around his son's shoulder and said, "We're going to finish this together." Derek buried his face in his father's chest, and together they crossed the line while 65,000 people rose to their feet.

Derek didn't finish that race on his own strength. He finished because he trusted the arms that held him. He leaned his full weight into someone who loved him more than the crowd, more than the medal, more than the moment.

This is the picture scripture paints of our Heavenly Father. When life tears something in us and we collapse on the track, God does not watch from the stands. He comes onto the field. "Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me," the psalmist writes.

You don't have to finish on your own strength. Lean into the Father who is already running toward you.