With Father’s Help
by Malcolm Wood
Much has been said about the 2012 London Olympics and I`m sure many stories will remain with us for some time, like the story I heard the other day concerning a previous Olympic Games.
Derek Redmund was favoured to win the 400 metre race in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. However disappointment came halfway into the race when his hamstring tore. As stretcher bearers made their way over to him, he knew that he wanted to finish the race, and continued to hobble along the track with pain etched upon his face.
Suddenly a large man pushed through the crowds, fighting back security personnel and ran on to the track. The man was Jim Redmund, Derek’s father.
‘You don’t have to do this’ he told his weeping son. ‘Yes I do’ Derek declared. ‘Well then’ said Jim, ‘We’re going to finish this together!’
With the support and help of his father, Derek continued and crossed the finishing line to the rapturous applause of the crowd.
Despite his humiliating defeat he was able to experience victory with his father helping him to finish (with acknowledgements to Charles Anthony Myers/YouTube).
Isn’t that just like our Father God who’s there for us when we get hurt and wounded in the race and we’re struggling to carry on? He’s there to support us and help us over the finishing line if we let him. Perhaps we don’t always call on Him as often as we should.
‘O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer’ (Joseph Scriven).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me. Please forgive me for trying to do so much in my own strength and not relying on Your endless resources. Please help me to trust You more. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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