The Race No One Finishes Alone

In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal. He had trained for years, overcome multiple surgeries, and finally reached the moment he had dreamed about since childhood. When the gun fired, he exploded off the blocks. Then, halfway around the bend, his hamstring snapped.

Redmond collapsed on the track, clutching his leg. Medical staff rushed toward him with a stretcher, but he waved them off. He stood up and began hopping toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face. Then something happened that sixty-five thousand spectators will never forget. A large man in a T-shirt pushed past security, ran onto the track, and wrapped his arm around Derek's shoulder. It was Jim Redmond — his father. "We started this together," Jim told his son. "We're going to finish it together." And they did, step by agonizing step, crossing the line as the entire stadium rose to its feet.

The apostle Paul told the Galatians to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The Christian life was never meant to be a solo event. The Most High designed the church so that when one member's strength gives out, another steps onto the track beside them.

Look around your pew this morning. These are the people who will help you finish. And somewhere nearby sits someone who needs you to be their Jim Redmond today.