5 July | Youth
«Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.» Isaiah 41:10
Derek Redmond's perseverance touched the world. He was a renowned British sprinter who suffered from constant injuries. In 1988, he had to abandon the Seoul games two minutes before the start of the competition because of an injury to his Achilles tendon, resulting in five surgeries and a lot of time off the track.
Four months before the Barcelona Olympics, in 1992, Derek returned to training. On the day of the race, he stood out from the group of runners in the four hundred meters. When there were 150 meters to go to the finish line, what everyone feared happened. Derek's right hamstring ruptured again, and he fell motionless to the ground, in severe pain. He saw the other competitors overtake him and cross the finish line without him being able to do anything. It seemed like the end for that great athlete, but it was not.
Derek decided to drag himself towards the finish line. The crowd went wild and started cheering him every step of the way. His father, Jim Redmond, who was watching from the stands, did not think twice and, despite violating safety rules, invaded the track to help his son reach his goal. That day, Derek did not win any trophies, but the courage with which he fought until the end etched his name forever in the history of the sport. This experience illustrates very well what happens to us on our spiritual journey.
It is not about arriving first, but about completing the journey. What matters is not gaining fame as a champion but crossing the finish line; it is not giving up, moving forward, step by step, towards the goal, even if sin causes us pain and suffering along the way. The important thing is to persevere towards Heaven, knowing that the Father is near, ready to lift us up if we fall, and hold us by the hand until the end.
The secret to a victorious life is to not get discouraged nor backing down. God is pleased with people who are courageous and persevere. Remember that He walks alongside you and wants to help you face difficulties and achieve your goals, especially spiritual ones. So, even if circumstances are adverse, move forward. Do not give up!