The Trophy

In 1992, a British athlete by the name of Derek Redmond made Olympic history by losing a race. Derek had trained for years to achieve his goal of winning an Olympic gold medal and was well on his way to doing so in the 400 meter semi-finals when he tore a hamstring muscle and went down in pain. As the other runners passed him, he struggled to get up and, determined to cross the finish line, began hopping on one foot, his face grimaced in agony. Quickly, a large man pushed his way through the crowds and onto the track. Derek’s father ran to his son’s side and told him they would cross the finish line together. His dad supported Derek with his strong arm as the crowd rose to their feet and began to cheer. Triumphantly, Derek and his father crossed the finish line. Derek had lost the race but won the hearts of those who witnessed this great moment in sports history.

On that momentous day, Derek exemplified the words of the Apostle Paul who said, “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 12:1-3 Of course, Paul was not referring to a literal race, but a figurative race to the finish line of a life well-lived for God. The race is not easy. Just as Derek fell in his race, we, too, will fall along the way. Like Derek, we may limp to the end and need the help of our heavenly Father. There are so many things to entangle us, not just sin, but the everyday affairs of life that demand our time and attention, the worries that sap our energy and enthusiasm, and the pleasures that distract us from that which really matters. Just like Derek, we will know times of intense pain that will test our faith and commitment to Christ.

I have a friend, a feisty little Italian who is practical and rather blunt and always quick to offer an opinion. Many times I’ve heard her say, “Life is hard – and then you die.” That pithy little assessment of life always brings a laugh, but we know there is truth in those words. Life IS hard, and our mortal bodies will one day wither away and return to dust. But physical death is not the end. The prize, the trophy, lies beyond the finish line where we will see Jesus face to face and hopefully hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”