The Race You Finish Matters More Than the Time You Post

In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal with everything he had worked for within reach. He had overcome five surgeries just to make it to that starting line. Then, halfway through the race, his hamstring snapped.

Sixty-five thousand spectators watched him crumple to the track. The medical team rushed toward him with a stretcher. But Redmond waved them off. He stood up. And he started hopping toward the finish line.

Then something happened that no one expected. His father, Jim Redmond, pushed past security, ran onto the track, and wrapped his arm around his son. Derek buried his face in his father's shoulder and wept. And together — slowly, painfully — they crossed that finish line while the entire stadium rose to its feet.

Derek Redmond did not win a medal that day. He did not set a record. But he finished.

The writer of Hebrews tells us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Notice — the scripture does not say run the fastest race or the prettiest race. It says finish the one that is yours.

And here is the gospel in that moment on the track: when your strength gives out, your Father comes to you. He does not carry you off the field. He walks with you to the finish.

Whatever race you are limping through today, you do not limp alone. The Almighty runs beside you.