“Therefore, 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.”  – Hebrews 12:1

Persevere to the Finish

It’s the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. British sprinter Derek Redmond is in the semifinals of the 400 meters. As he rounds the first turn, all of a sudden his hamstring tears and immediate pain sets in. Redmond, now limping, still heads for the finish line, but each step is tough. Then, a man runs out onto the track, despite efforts from security to stop him. The man is Redmond’s father, Jim, who runs right to his son as Derek is limping to the finish line. Jim Redmond reaches a helping hand to his child, and the pain becomes even more visible as Derek cries out in agony. However, both father and son refused to quit. With his arm around his dad, Derek reaches the finish line.

Just because we decide to follow Jesus does not mean that our lives are going to be easy. Rather, as Hebrews 12:1 tells us, our lives are going to be more like a tough race requiring perseverance to complete. However, we do have Jesus there to help us when the times get tough, just as Derek Redmond had his father. Jesus will help us persevere through this tough life whether it’s fighting through sin, or dealing with pain

With the help of his father, Derek Redmond finished the race. Will you finish the race? Will you persevere when the times get tough? Just remember, we have someone who will help us.

— DAVID NOELL