From Bishop Jemmott’s The Bishop’s Pen publication for August 2013 entitled “Get Up Again”:
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Derek Redmond was already a tragic hero, having been forced to pull out of the 400-meter relay in 1988 due to an injury to his hamstring 90 seconds before he was to start. When he returned to Barcelona in 1992, Derek had undergone eight operations. However, he was in relatively good health. The first part of the relay went great; Redmond posted the fastest time and the team made it all the way to the semi-finals. But a mere 250 meters from the finish, Redmond re-injured his hamstring, fell down on the track, and it seemed as if victory was snatched from him once again.
Nevertheless, a powerful thing happened. He refused to give up. As he hobbled along the final stretch, his father made his way past security to help his son cross the finish line. Sixty-five thousand people cheered them on. Although he came in last in the Olympic race, he came in first in the Human race. Like Derek, we are in a race. The author of the book of Hebrew said, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) Yes, as believers, we are running this race called “The Christian Life”; we are running for the prize called eternal life. Like Derek, many of us will fall during the race, but what we do when we fall will determine if we are godly or wicked. Proverbs 24:16 tells us that: “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” (NLT) Yes, we the godly fall, but we get up. It does not matter how many times we fall we will get up. It’s in our DNA. We have resurrection power flowing through our bodies. “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11) It is impossible for you as a Spirit filled believer to stay down when the Holy Spirit is dwelling inside of you. If you have fallen, get up and finish the race. Do not be like the wicked who are overthrown by one single disaster. Get up! If you are injured by the fall and you cannot run – walk or limp your way to the finish line. As Derek’s father came out of the stand to assist his son, your Heavenly Father will be there with you as you finish the race. This is not the season for you to lie down where you have fallen or dwell on the reason why you fell; just get up and continue to run. Run through the pain, disappointment and hurt. Do not focus on those things, but focus on finishing. Set your eyes on the finish line and see yourself finishing the race. Be Blessed, Bishop Jemmott Purchase Bishop Jemmott’s books and sermons here. |