DEVOTION / Help to the finish line

The Olympics are coming this summer!

Growing up, I loved watching the Olympics. “The thrill of victory! The agony of defeat.”

Victory amid defeat?

One memory that sticks with me is the British 400-meter runner Jim Redmond. At the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, he tore his hamstring in the backstretch of his heat. He was down, but he fought his way to his feet. Limping, hopping, he just kept going. Medical personnel offered help, but he needed to finish that race.

A man came rushing out of the stands, ran over to him, and embraced him. That man was his father. His dad told him he didn't "have to do this." But with gritty determination, his son just kept reaching for that finish line.

His father held his son close, and together they covered those last agonizing steps. When they crossed the finish line, the crowd stood to their feet and cheered! Together, father and son had finished that race! Learn more about the race here.

Heavenly finish line

That scene reminds me of Hebrews 12:1 where we are encouraged, Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV).

Another even more apropos passage to ponder is Deuteronomy 1:30, The Lord your God carried you as a Father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."

How are you doing in your race? I hope you're running well. Yet, we know too well the race is tiring. Obstacles to finishing strong -- or even finishing __ abound: health issues, family troubles, distractions and temptations.

Running with your Savior

God has good news for you. He's there for you! Your Heavenly Father sent his Son Jesus to be with you and rescue you when you couldn't go on in your own strength. With his help, nothing can keep you from reaching that heavenly finish line.

Count on God's bold promise that he will carry you. It is the all-powerful Father who offers you his help. What could be better? With his arm around you, you're never running alone.

Struggling to the finish line? Think your strength is gone? Have confidence in this. The voice of God reassures you: "You're not doing this alone. We will finish this race together."

Finish the race

So, like Paul, fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. There is a crown of righteousness waiting for you (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Prayer

Father God, you have given us a race to run. Grant that through the obstacles and challenges, we stay on course. Run with us and bring us to the heavenly finish line.