Pioneer Operating Budget
During the 1992 Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond was favored to win the 400-meter race. But halfway through, he tore his hamstring and collapsed in pain. Determined, he got up and began hobbling toward the finish line.
Suddenly, a man pushed past security and ran onto the track—it was his father, Jim Redmond. Ignoring the officials, Jim wrapped his arm around Derek and said, “You don’t have to do this.” Derek, through tears, replied, “Yes, I do.” His father held him up and said, “Then we’ll finish together.”
Step by step, they moved forward, with Jim supporting his son all the way to the finish line. The stadium erupted in cheers—not because Derek won, but because of the incredible display of a father’s love. Jim didn’t care about medals or records—he just wanted to be there for his son. Just like
that, God runs to us in our pain, carries us when we can’t go on, and helps us finish the race. “I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes,
even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior” (Isaiah 46:4, TLB).
God, our Supreme Father, loved us so much that He adopted us as His children, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God’s children, and that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, CEB).
Today, let’s give in appreciation for what our heavenly Father has done for us. Happy Father’s Day!
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries