The Finish Line
The Finish Line
Bill Brodherst had not run in a race since he was a high school student in 1980. Years later, he decided to train for a mini-marathon known as the Pepsi Challenge 10k. He was motivated because the great Bill Rodgers, a winner of many nationally known marathons, was competing, and he wanted to say he had competed against the legendary runner.
The race would be incredibly challenging for Brodherst because years earlier, his doctors had questioned whether he would ever walk again after being diagnosed with a serious condition. He did learn to walk again but always with one foot dragging. He ran the same way, one foot taking a step, with the other dragged behind.
Despite his challenges, Brodherst was at the starting line of the 10K when the gun sounded. He was immediately left behind, and the other runners soon disappeared in the distance. A post marked the race’s halfway point; runners ran around it and retraced their steps to the finish line. Brodherst was still far from that post when he began to meet the returning runners.
A police escort remained with him as long as possible; however, he was so slow that they eventually left to resume their regular duties. Even the route markers used to direct runners over the course had been removed by the time Brodherst completed the race, but he refused to quit. By the time he reached the finish line, the crowds were long gone. It appeared no one was there to acknowledge his eventual finish. Then, from a nearby alley, he heard applause and cheering. Rodgers, who had won the race, and several other runners rushed forward and lifted Brodherst onto their shoulders. Rodgers placed his medal on Brodherst’s neck and said, “You’re the real winner of this race.”
As I read this story, I remember the Apostle Paul’s words as he reflected upon what it will be like when we arrive in heaven and recall our journey. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NLT)
If you are reading this and feel like quitting your race, please do not. Paul kept going when he felt like stopping, and Brodherst refused to give up when continuing seemed pointless. Keep going; do not quit following God, even if you are not sure you can finish your race. Do not lose hope that a day is coming when you will hear the Father’s loving voice say, “Well done, my child, you were faithful in a few things… Welcome home!”