“We’re going to finish this together.”
Britain’s Derek Redmond tore his right hamstring in the 400-meter semi-finals but continued to hop to finish the race despite the pain. Suddenly a large man in the stands, hurled aside a security guard and embraced him, It was Jim Redmond, Derek’s father.“You don’t have to do this” he told his weeping son. “Yes, I do,” said Derek. “Well, then,” Said Jim, “We’re going to finish this together.” The crowd gaped, then rose and howled and wept seeing father and son all the way to the end.
Derek didn’t win the gold medal, but he walked away with the incredible memory of a father who, when he saw his son in pain, left his seat in the stands to help him finish the race.
That’s what God does for us. When we are experiencing pain and struggling to finish the race, our loving God left his place in heaven to come alongside us. Our Lord Jesus said: “ I am with you always,” says Jesus, “ to the very end of the age.” (Matt.28:20)
by Maclan Jim Matthew
(Inspired by the incident during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics track and field’s most incredible moment).
