The Finish Line He Couldn't See

In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal with everything he had trained for within reach. He had overcome five surgeries to get there. The gun fired, and he ran beautifully — until his hamstring snapped midway through the back straight.

Redmond crumpled to the track. Medical staff rushed toward him with a stretcher, but he refused it. He stood up and began hobbling toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face. Then 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 father's shoulder. He couldn't see the finish line anymore. He could only feel his father's arm holding him up. Jim whispered, "We started this together, and we're going to finish it together." Step by agonizing step, they crossed that line while 65,000 people rose to their feet.

That is what trust looks like. Not running strong and confident, but collapsing into arms you know will hold you. The Psalmist wrote, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You" (Psalm 56:3). Notice — trust doesn't eliminate the fear or the pain. It simply tells us Whose arms are already reaching for us.

Whatever race has broken you this week, your Heavenly Father is not watching from the stands. He is already on the track.