Slideshow image

                           

              Derek Redmond was one of Britain’s top athletes — a master of the 400-meter sprint, a race that tests not only your body, but your mind and heart. By 1992, he had already claimed European gold in the 4x400m relay. But his career was scarred by constant injuries. Still, he never gave up. He dreamed of one thing: an Olympic medal.  Then came the Barcelona Olympics. Derek, 26, was in peak form. He breezed through the first rounds and stood ready at the semifinal line. A packed stadium, millions watching around the world — the air charged with anticipation. The race began. Derek sprinted forward, focused and strong. But at 150 meters, disaster struck. A sharp, tearing pain in his right leg — his hamstring snapped. He collapsed, grabbing his thigh, face twisted in agony. He could’ve stayed down. But he didn’t. Through tears and gritted teeth, Derek got up. Limping, dragging his leg, fighting through the pain, he made one choice: finish the race.

In Acts 20:24(KJV) Paul writes: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Each of us have been given a course or assignments and a ministry. It is part of being a believer, serving the Lord by finishing our assignments. Note: Ephesians 2:10 (NLT): “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”  What could be more important than dedicating our time and energy to completing God’s plans for us? We should be just as passionate as Derek about completing our race. Paul’s race was not easy or pain free either. He suffered on many occasions but continued to spend his life completing his assignment with joy in spite of the pain and suffering with anticipation of hearing his Lord say: ‘well done thou good and faithful’.

              Derek’s story didn’t end the way he had hoped but he did finish. A man, Derek’s father, broke through security, running onto the track. He rushed to his son, wrapped him in an embrace. Derek sobbed: “Dad, I have to finish.” Jim looked at him and said: “Then we’ll finish together.” And side by side, father and son walked the final stretch, step by painful step. The entire stadium rose to its feet. No one cared about who crossed first. They watched a broken man, held up by love, cross the finish line with unmatched dignity. Derek was disqualified. But he finished and received the longest standing ovation of the Olympic Games.

              So, let me ask: Are you joyfully pursuing the completion of the plans God has assigned to you? Or has the pain and suffering been stripping you of your joy and passion to finish your assignments recently?  An easy path was never promised in the Bible I read, but for those who are determined to finish well I know there is a loving heavenly Father standing by to help you cross the finish line, and a great crowd in the heavenly stands waiting with a standing ovation for you.                                                               Pastor Dave