The Father Who Wouldn't Let Go

At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal with one dream — to finish the race. Halfway around the track, his hamstring snapped. He crumpled to the ground as seventy thousand spectators gasped. Medical staff rushed toward him with a stretcher, but Redmond refused. He stood up and began hobbling toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face.

Then something happened that no one expected. A large man pushed past security, burst through the officials, and wrapped his arm around Derek's waist. It was Jim Redmond — his father. Derek buried his face in his dad's shoulder and sobbed. Jim whispered, "We started this together, and we're going to finish it together." Step by agonizing step, father and son crossed that finish line while the entire stadium rose to its feet.

That is the picture Paul paints in Romans 8:39 — nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The Almighty does not watch from the stands when we collapse under the weight of broken dreams, illness, or failure. He pushes past every barrier to reach us. He wraps His arm around us. He whispers, "We will finish this together."

You may be limping today. But the Father who wouldn't let go of Derek Redmond will never let go of you.