Support of Your Father

Posted by anthologycreative

AT THE 1992 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES in Barcelona, Spain, British runner Derek Redmond was poised to win a medal in the 400 meters sprint. He had posted the fastest time in the first round and won his quarter final. As he prepared for the finals, Redmond probably remembered the same race four years earlier at the Olympics in Seoul, Korea, when he’d been forced to withdraw because of an injury. He was determined to finish the race this time.

But in the 1992 finals, his hamstring snapped about 250 meters from the finish line. Injured and disappointed, Redmond was determined to finish the race and began to hobble along the track, simply putting one foot in front of the other. His dad joined him on the track, and together they completed the final lap. Even though finishing was hard, painful, and exhausting, Redmond kept going. He refused to leave his race unfinished, so he continued with the support of his father.

 

THINK ABOUT THAT STORY as you read 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Focus on verse 5.

 How do these verses encourage you?

Reread Paul’s advice to Timothy in verse 5. How would you rewrite that advice to help you in a difficult situation you’re facing? Jot it down below.

 

THE POINT
You will face discouragement and difficulty in this life, even when you know you’re doing what God has called you to do. In those times, don’t give up! Keep doing what you’re supposed to be doing—putting one foot in front of the other—with the support of your Father.

 

TAKE ACTION
Think of a difficult situation you’re currently facing. What steps will you take today to keep doing what God has called you to do in that situation? List three.
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MEMORIZE 2 Timothy 4:5. When you feel like following God is too difficult, remind yourself of this Scripture.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged 2 Timothy, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps