The Finish Line Isn't the Point

On August 3, 1992, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semi-final at the Barcelona Olympics. He had trained for years. This was his moment. The gun fired, and Derek surged forward — until halfway around the track, his hamstring snapped. He crumpled to the ground while the other runners disappeared ahead.

What happened next stopped 65,000 people in their seats.

Derek stood up. Hobbling, weeping, he began dragging himself toward the finish line. Then a 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 Derek buried his face in his father's shoulder. Together, step by agonizing step, they walked to the finish line. Jim whispered, "We started this together, and we're going to finish it together."

No medal was awarded. No record was set. But the entire stadium rose to its feet in tears.

That is the portrait of love Paul paints in Romans 5:8 — "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God did not wait for us to cross our own finish lines. He did not watch from the stands. The Almighty left His seat, broke through every barrier, and came to us in our brokenness. He wraps His arm around us not because we performed well, but because we are His.

You will never be too broken for a Father who runs to you on the track.