As we look forward to 2020 and beyond I cannot help but look back at one of the most inspirational stories of the 20th Century.
In the 1992 Olympic Games an athlete having trained, prepared and done all that he could, lined up alongside his competitors and comrades each determined to secure a place in the 400 meters final. Each athlete had trained over the winter, they had all made the necessary preparations and for many they were cheered on by friends, family, training partners and indeed their entire country.
However a situation arose that he could not have prepared for; as he eagerly awaited the sound of the starter’s gun he could not have known that his hamstring would have torn moments into the race. Given this lack of insight into the future he responded to the sound of the starter’s gun like all the others lined up alongside him and shot out of the blocks aiming for a place in the final. For Derek Redmond however this was not going to be the year he reached the final but it was going to be the year he went into the history books. With the help of his father he completed the 400m semi-final cheered on by the entire stadium. That moment in time placed him into the history books as an example of courage in the face of adversity.
For each of us 2019 has been a year of challenge, growth, development and change. 2020 may well be no different. The race that we have run will be different to the races ran around us, yet there is one thing we must all do - reach the end of the race! We may need help along the way but no matter how we finish we must finish!
We will all face situations that we have not prepared for. No matter what comes our way in the weeks, months and years ahead remember these things;
To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heaven – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Therefore no matter what your race looks like, keep running it, and keep striving because you will be rewarded!
My prayer is that each of you will one day be able to be victorious and proclaim…
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed his appearing – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
