The Love Race
In 1992, British athlete Derek Redmond was set for the race of his life in the 400-meter semifinals at the Barcelona Olympics. He had already wonhis first-round heat and quarterfinal and was poised for another win. In lane five, Derek had a great start out of the blocks, running with the focus of being the winner as he crossed the finish line. But fifteen seconds into the race, something happened: a deafening pop and an abrupt stop, and Derek went down as he grabbed hold of his right hamstring in anguish. Officials started moving toward him. Yet despite excruciating pain, with the determination of a true Olympian, he waved them away as he struggled to get upright and began hobbling around the track to the finish line with the same focus as he started the race.
Then a most familiar voice made its way through all the noise and the officials. Derek said in an interview: “I had held it together until I heard his voice, and when I knew it was my dad, I lost it. This man has been alongside me my whole life . . . supporting me . . . sacrificing . . . and when I heard his voice, I knew I could let down.” His dad said, “You’re a champion: you’ve got nothing to prove.” Derek said at that moment, “Dad, I want to finish, get me back in the semifinal.” His dad replied, “Okay. We started this thing together, and now we’ll finish it together.” Together Derek and his dad crossed the finish line in the world’s greatest competition.
Sometimes it’s about so much more than the competition itself, isn’t it? All the hours, the years of training, the regimen, the laser focus, and the sacrifices made along the way. When Derek heard his father’s voice, felt his father’s touch, he was safe. Derek’s father loved his son unconditionally, and his son knew that and felt safe in his father’s arms.
That’s the kind of love God has for us too. And just like Derek, when we fall, feel defeated, or find ourselves racked with pain, struggling to find our way back up, Jesus meets us. And like Derek’s father, God puts His loving, comforting arms around us to hold us up and let us know we’re not alone. Jesus stays close and walks with us, letting us lean on Him for every step. Whether we’re crawling, walking, or running, God is by our side. There is not a pace too slow or too fast for God. You can’t outrun Him, and you can’t outwait Him. His love is unconditional, and His arms are safe.
*Excerpt from “Faith Love Forgiveness” by Susan Goss