I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ~2nd Timothy 4:7

During the 1992 Olympics, British runner Derek Redmond posted the fastest time of the first round of the 400 meter race and won his quarter-final. In the semi-final race, he started out well, but about 250 meters from the finish line, his hamstring tore, sending him to the ground in agonizing pain. When stretcher bearers came to carry him off the track, he refused their help and was determined to hobble to the finish line. Soon after, his father pushed past security, joined him on the track and helped him finish the race. Despite a crushing disappointment and a dream lost, Derek Redmond, with the help of his father, finished; and that's all that mattered in the end. Sometimes we easily become crippled with distraction by all that is going on in the world; injustice, sin, materialism and war. However, if we are faithful to the end, it does not matter what trials and tribulations we experience because we have a Heavenly Father who is always beside us, helping us run the race and take us all the way to the finishing line. Through His graceful sacrifice for us, we have already won the race; all we have to do is remain faithful until the finish line comes into view. The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur. Whatever you are going through today always remember God is not just faithful for a season but faithful to the very end.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 12:1-2.