Don’t Give Up! Part I

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14

Perhaps you've heard the story of Derek Redmond.  I was recently reminded of his story from a sermon I heard on the radio.  While competing in the 400 meter semi-finals in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Redmond injured his hamstring and collapsed to the track.  Despite his injury, he got back up, determined to finish the race.  As he limped towards the finish line his father ran out on the track.  Initially he tried to get his son to stop.  But when Derek refused he told his son they would finish the race together.

It’s a moving story (you can watch the video here or read about it here).

The article above, from The Guardian, states, “What the world witnessed in 1992 was a man who had been continually brought low by injury simply refusing to submit yet again.”

I can’t help but draw some parallels from this story to our walk with the Lord.  Inevitably, in life, there are going to be some things that knock us down.  We may feel like an athlete brought down by injury.  Or, perhaps we feel like a wounded warrior.  We may question whether we have the strength to carry on.  Troubled by our own brokenness, we may wonder if our wounded lives are worthwhile to God, or anyone else for that matter.  We may question our worthiness before God and our usefulness to His kingdom.     

In Christ’s kingdom, however, the prize does not only go to the one who seemingly gets the Gold medal or 1st place.  We may look at others and envy how they seem to have it so much easier than we do.  Yet, as the Proverb says, “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” (Prov. 14:10)  In other words, everyone has some pain in life.  

Our woundedness does not disqualify us from the prize.  The prize goes to those who, despite how many times they get knocked down, continue to get back up and press on towards the finish line.  For, in Christ, we are all victors; we march in the procession of the Victorious One. (II Cor. 2:14)  The prize doesn’t go to those who never stumble or fall.  It goes to those who refuse to give up.  And, in God's mercy, He is always there to lift us back up and help us to the finish line.  


To be continued...