FIRST! Again

In 1991, Derek Redmond was part of the British 4 X 400m relay team which took Gold at the World Championships.  From that peak, the events of the following year were shattering.

It was the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Derek had a sizzling start, in the semi-final of the 400m.  He overhauled the three runners ahead of him on the stagger.  Then – disaster!

His right hamstring tore.  He crashed down onto the track.  But, before the medical team could reach him, he was on his feet.

In excruciating pain, he began hopping forward.  He still had 250m to go, and all the other runners had passed him.

Film of the even show Derek gritting his teeth against the pain, frustration and tears of bitter disappointment .

Then, out of the grandstands, ran a man.

He rushed toRedmond’s side, hugged him and supported him. It was his father.   Jim Redmond told his son “You don’t have to do this.”

Derek replied: “Yes I do”.

“Then we’ll do it together” responded his father.

Together they hopped and staggered to the finishing line, to the cheers and tears of all who witnessed the scene.

In our lives, too, we may feel that disaster has struck.

Hopes can be shattered; plans and hard work may come to nothing.  Ambitions and dreams may be thwarted.  Our best intentions may be rejected.  Yet, for the Christian, these events need not bring the crushing defeat you may imagine.  Our Heavenly Father is with us all the way, through disaster, to triumph!  Here is what the Bible promises for those who have a personal relationship with God, through Jesus.

‘…the Lord … goes before you; He will march with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; … fear not, neither become broken  in  spirit…(depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm)’ (Deut 31:8  – Amp.)

Maybe in your ‘life race’ you have fallen, perhaps even been grievously hurt.

You may think: ‘Nothing can get me back on my feet again.’   Don’t be ‘depressed , dismayed or unnerved’!

Turn to God in your need.  He is waiting for you to welcome Him into your life.  The problems may not go away, any more than Derek Redmond’s did in Barcelona.  But with the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and Friend, you will have a Helper and Companion who will never leave you and never forsake you. ■

This article was printed first in FIRST! magazine, published by The Faith Mission.