The Finish Line Nobody Expected

In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal with everything he had trained for within reach. Halfway around the track, his hamstring snapped. He crumpled to the ground as the other runners surged ahead.

What happened next became 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. Officials moved toward him. The crowd held its breath. Then a large man pushed past security, fought through the officials, and wrapped his arm around Derek's waist. It was Jim Redmond — his father.

"You don't have to do this," Jim told his son.

"Yes, I do," Derek replied.

"Then we're going to finish this together," his father said.

And they did. Step by agonizing step, father and son crossed that finish line while 65,000 people rose to their feet.

Faith works like that. We set out with confidence, and then something tears. A diagnosis. A divorce. A death. We collapse under the weight of what we cannot carry alone. But the God who watches over us does not stay in the stands. The Almighty rushes to our side, puts His arm around us, and says, "We're going to finish this together."

You may not finish the way you planned. But with the Father beside you, you will finish.