By: Pastor Brent Roll

“It is good to renew ourselves, from time to time, by closely examining the state of our souls, as if we had never done it before; for nothing tends more to the full assurance of faith, than to keep ourselves by this means in humility, and the exercise of all good works.” – John Wesley

Do you ever feel like in life you are running a race? I know I do! There are just times in our life where it just seems like we are running in a full sprint through everything! Soon, we begin to grow tired and we are not sure if we can make it through another day at such a quick pace!

I want to share a story with you about a man named Derek Redmond. Derek was favored to win the gold medal at Barcelona Olympics. But just a mere 15 seconds into the semifinals, Derek Redmond tore his hamstring! He immediately fell to the ground and was in extreme pain.

But Derek chose to get back up on his feet and finish the race hopping on one leg. The crowd, in total disbelief, cheered him on.

Then, all the sudden, a man ran onto the track. It was Derek’s father who was watching from the stands. He pushed off the officials and made his way to his son to comfort him and get him to stop. But Derek wanted to finish. Then his dad said, “We are going to finish this together”.

They walked through the race with Derek’s pain and anguish increasing with each step. Derek put his hand across his old man’s shoulders and sobbed. Together, the father and son walked across the finish line.

Does this story not ring true to our lives? We feel as if we are running this race called life. We may even be to the point where we feel as if we are trying to finish on one leg.

Especially, during this Christmas season, we can get so busy with everything that we have no clue how we are going to get everything done. We can get to the point where we feel like we just can’t keep going!

But let me tell you some good news! Just like Derek, we have a Father who is willing to fight for us and wants to help us finish the race.

In Isaiah 40:31 it says, “But those who hope in the LORD, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

We can find renewal in our Heavenly Father! No matter what, we can trust that God will always be there for us! He can renew our strength. Even when we feel like we are running on empty, God will give us the strength we need.

Parents: Play a game of Hide N’ Seek with your kids. As you play, remind them that God will always be able to find them and provide them with the strength they need!