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 Derek
Redmond, from Great Britain, was the favorite in the 400 meters and
at the start of the race he was in command, on his way to a gold
medal. However, at the 200 meter mark (halfway through the race) his
hamstring snapped. He stumbled, then fell to the ground and later
said it felt like a knife thrust into his leg. His trainer tried to
pull him off the track, but he waved him away. And although the pain
was unbearable and although all hope of winning was gone Derek
Redmond slowly pulled himself up and began to hop on his good leg
toward the finish line.
With the race now over the attention of the 65,000
people, the stadium turned back to Redmond and they were stunned.
They rose with a loud deafening cheer. It was a magical Olympic
moment. And then as he limped down the home stretch, a man with a
ball cap that read “Just Do It” jumped out of the crowd and ran
toward Redmond being chased by security guards. It was Jim Redmond,
Derek's dad. He came up to his son, wrapped his arms around him and
whispered, “We started this race together; we'll finish it
together.” The father led his son to the finish line.
It is a powerful and inspiring story and many times when it is told
it's an illustration of perseverance, not quitting — and it is
certainly that. However, it is the powerful story of Christmas.
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That God, high up in Heaven saw us — His children
stumble and fall under the weight of sin. And because of His great
love for us He could not stay where He was. He came down to earth to
be with us in our pain — to pick us up and to help us to the finish
line. Could you use a little of that kind of help in your life? Read
Luke 2:1-7 and be reminded that at Christmas God came down to put
His arm around your shoulder and help you to the finish line.
Whatever your situation — whether you are hurting from the loss of a
loved one, struggling from a broken relationship, or frustrated that
life hasn't gone your way — remember God loves you and whispers in
your ear, “We started this race together; we'll finish it together.”
Merry Christmas — and joy to the world because the Lord has come.
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