The greatest Coach

"The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand" Psalm 37:24

I recently came across the story of Kayla Montgomery -- who, despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, has become one of the best young distance runners in the country:

Kayla Montgomery, 18, was found to have multiple sclerosis three years ago. Defying most logic, she has gone on to become one of the fastest young distance runners in the country — one who cannot stay on her feet after crossing the finish line. Because M.S. blocks nerve signals from Montgomery’s legs to her brain, particularly as her body temperature increases, she can move at steady speeds that cause other runners pain she cannot sense, creating the peculiar circumstance in which the symptoms of a disease might confer an athletic advantage. But intense exercise can also trigger weakness and instability; as Montgomery goes numb in races, she can continue moving forward as if on autopilot, but any disruption, like stopping, makes her lose control. “When I finish, it feels like there’s nothing underneath me,” Montgomery said. “I start out feeling normal and then my legs gradually go numb. I’ve trained myself to think about other things while I race, to get through. But when I break the motion, I can’t control them and I fall.” At the finish of every race, she staggers and crumples. Before momentum sends her flying to the ground, her coach braces to catch her, carrying her aside as her competitors finish and her parents swoop in to ice her legs. Minutes later, sensation returns and she rises, ready for another chance at forestalling a disease that one day may force her to trade the track for a wheelchair. M.S. has no cure. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/04/sports/for-runner-with-ms-no-pain-while-racing-no-feeling-at-the-finish.html?_r=0

While this is a wonderful story of what a person can achieve through determination, it wouldn't be possible without her coach, Patrick Cromwell. He encouraged her, believed in her, coached her and was there to catch her after every race. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a coach like that - someone who was there to encourage and strengthen us? There to keep us from falling? We do. God has promised to be with us throughout our race - from the beginning to the end. Like a good coach, God will be there watching, waiting and ready to catch us, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8.

Heavenly Father, thank You for your promise to guide us throughout this race. Thank You for keeping your loving eye on us to keep us from falling and carry us when we have lost all strength. May we run the race with everything we have, leaving nothing behind so we might cross the finish line and fall into your arms having served You well. Give us the strength, courage and guidance to persevere and press on. In your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

Kayla Montgomery - ESPN

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11909407