You Can't Finish Alone

The crowd leaned forward. Cameras zoomed in. And David Wyeth, a runner in the 2017 London Marathon, was just 200 meters from the finish line—seconds away from a personal best.

But then… his legs gave out.

He doubled over, wobbled, and collapsed to the pavement.

The finish line was so close. But it might as well have been miles away.

What happened next is one of the most powerful moments of sportsmanship—and community—I’ve ever seen.

Welcome to Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. I’m Bart Leger, and I’ve had the privilege of pastoring for over 40 years. Every day on this podcast, I share truth from God’s Word to help you stay grounded, encouraged, and moving forward—even in life’s hardest moments.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart near the finish line… today’s episode is for you.

Back on the race course, another runner named Matthew Rees was headed for his own strong finish when he saw Wyeth collapse. Without hesitation, Rees stopped running.

He lifted Wyeth to his feet, threw his arm over his shoulder, and started walking him toward the finish.

A few strides later, a third person—identified as another runner—ran up, took Wyeth’s other arm, and helped steady him. Together, all three crossed the finish line to thunderous applause—even from Prince William, Princess Kate, and Prince Harry who were watching nearby.

David wasn’t able to finish on his own.

But he finished.

Because someone saw him struggling… and stepped in.

King Solomon of the Old Testament knew a little about community.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10:

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

Let’s be honest.

Some days feel like we’re running full speed—until life knocks us flat.

A medical diagnosis. A financial crash. A heartbreak. A deep depression no one else seems to notice. Or just simply, life.

And suddenly… we’re down. We don’t have the energy, or will to keep going.

Ecclesiastes 4 says we’re in real trouble if we fall and have no one to help us up.

Friend, we weren’t meant to run this race alone.

God created us for community. To carry one another, especially when we can’t carry ourselves.

And sometimes—like in that marathon—you’ll be the one reaching out to lift someone up.

Other times, you’ll be the one who needs help getting to the finish line.

Here’s my challenge for you today:

Get connected to a community of believers.

Maybe you’ve been drifting from church, or showing up without really opening up.

Let today be the reminder: you need people. And they need you.

Don’t wait until you collapse.

Find your people. And run together.

“God, thank You for the people You’ve put in our lives. Help us to lean in, to reach out, and to never try to run alone. Show us who we can lift up—and give us the courage to be honest when we need help too. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Thank you for joining me today for our time in God’s Word.

And if you’re receiving value from these devotions, and would like to help me keep these coming, you can become a supporter today—every gift helps. Simply go to dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/support. Don’t worry, if you’re driving or on the treadmill, the link is in the show notes.

Thanks for joining me today on Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. Remember—you were never meant to run alone. Come back next time for more encouragement to help you live grounded in God’s truth. Until then, have a great day, and God bless.