God's Coaching #213

God's Coaching #213

Derek Redmond thought he’d been shot. That’s what it felt like. One second he had been ahead of the pack in a 400-meter semifinal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The next second he felt a snap in the back of his leg, and he fell. Derek was hurt—badly. Derek had torn his hamstring muscle. A previous injury had forced him out of the 1988 Seoul Olympics 10 minutes before his race. After surgeries and countless hours of rehabilitation, he had returned to training and qualified for the 1992 Games to finally achieve his dream of Olympic gold. Heading into the 400, he was the favorite to win.

The other runners blew by. Derek struggled back to his feet and began hopping. He knew he wasn’t going to win, but he was going to finish. The crowd of 65,000 began to roar, urging Derek on. Suddenly he felt a familiar arm and heard a familiar voice. Derek’s dad, Jim, had bolted from the stands, past security guards, to reach his son on the track. Derek leaned on his dad and sobbed bitterly. Together, father and son headed for the finish line.

“I’m the proudest father alive,” Jim told the media. “I’m prouder of him than I would have been if he had won the gold medal. It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did.”

What’s the Score?

Jim Redmond wasn’t going to let anything or anyone stop him from reaching his son. He wanted to help his son any way he could. He gave Derek comfort and strength. That’s the kind of father God is. The Bible calls him “our merciful Father and the source of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). He’s there for us no matter what. He comforts us when our dreams shatter. He holds us and carries us on. And the Bible tells us he even uses our troubles to comfort and help others later.

Derek went on to become a motivational speaker who encouraged others to pursue and achieve their dreams. What did he show when he spoke? The video of his—and his father’s—Olympic moment.

On the Ball

If your dad is around, read today’s story with him, and thank him for being there. And if you notice friends struggling with a problem you’ve been through, put an arm around them and help them out.

Coach’s Comment

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4