The Man Who Ran on Broken Legs
In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal as one of the favorites. He had trained for years, overcome multiple surgeries, and finally made it to the biggest stage in the world. Then, halfway through the race, his hamstring snapped. He crumpled to the track in agony while the other runners crossed the finish line without him.
What happened next became one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history. Redmond pulled himself up and began hobbling toward the finish line. Every step was visible pain. Officials tried to stop him. He waved them off. 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 waist and whispered, "We're going to finish this together." And they did. Sixty-five thousand people in Montjuic Stadium rose to their feet in tears.
That is a picture of the courage God calls us to. Not the courage that never falls. Not the courage that feels no pain. The courage that gets back up. And here is the beautiful part — we never get back up alone. The Almighty runs onto the track for us. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4).
Your courage was never meant to be solo. It was meant to be sustained by a Father who refuses to let you crawl alone.
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