Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2 

De•ter•mi•na•tion\ di¸-ter-me-‘na-shen\ n. 1 : strength of mind and will 

Few athletes have demonstrated pure determination against impossible odds as has Great Britain’s track star, Derek Redmond. Though incredibly fast and talented, Redmond’s running career was frequently frustrated by injury. At the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Redmond was forced to withdraw from the opening heat of the 400m contest only two minutes before the race was scheduled to begin. 

By the time of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic games, Derek had undergone five operations, including one on his Achilles tendon less than four months before the Games began. In Barcelona, however, everything seemed to be coming together for Redmond at last. He was running well: he recorded the fastest time of the first round and he won his quarterfinal heat. 

For the semifinal race, Derek got off to a clean start and was running smoothly when, about 150m into the race, his right hamstring muscle snapped and he fell agonizingly to the ground. As the medical attendants rushed towards him, Derek knew he had to finish the race. He climbed painfully to his feet and began hobbling towards the finish line. His father, breaking through ranks of security, ran out of the stands and joined him on the track. Arm in arm, with Derek sobbing, they continued. Just before the finish, Jim let go of his son so that Derek could complete the course on his own, as the crowd of 65,000 gave him a standing ovation. These images have provided inspiration to people around the world.

Christ showed the ultimate determination of calling and purpose, when, with the support of His Father and motivated by love he finished his course and purchased our redemption with His own life’s blood. Jesus’ steadfast resolve calls forth a similar response from us- because Christ finished his race, I can finish mine. Jesus has gone before me and has finished the race already. He now is within me and stands beside me as I run mine. 

This Easter season, reflect on the victory that Christ won on the cross. The race has been won. Your race has been won.