the olympics are upon us. im pumped. its remarkable to me to see so many discpilined athletes come together from all over the world to demonstrate harmony, sportsmanship, and dedication. there is a scotsman who's story is famously known for what later was made into the movie, "The Chariots of Fire".
His name is Eric Liddell.
He is most widely known for his refusal to run on Sunday in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. He was to run in his strongest event: the 100 meter race. Instead he registered to run in the 400 meter. At the time before His race, he was handed a piece of paper that had the following inscribed on it,
"Those who honor me, I will too honor".
Liddell ran the race with the verse from 1 Samuel 2:30 in his hand and claimed Olympic Gold and a new world record with a time of 47.6 seconds. When asked to describe his race plan, he said, " The secret of my success over the 400 meters is that I run the first 200 meters as fast as I can. Then, for the second 200 meters, with God's help, I run faster." His story continues as a legacy, but what He chose soon after His Olympic gold speaks boldly of His commitment to God. Born to Christian missionaries who were working in China, Liddell returned to China soon after his olympic victory turning away from all new founded success. It is here, in China, that he ultimately would face his death. He was sent by the Japanese to an Internment camp in Weihsien, in the province of Shantung, where he inspired and spurred on many but suddenly died from a brain tumor. This was an individual who lived his life to the absolute fullest possible.
He dedicated his life in obedience to God's will and teaching others. He encouraged them to live in accordance with the example Jesus established for us to follow. He was a happy guy that ran with great joy. Often chastised by his sister for his fervent passion for running, Liddell saw His lifes purpose clearly through running regardless of others rebuke.Liddell has become an enormous encouragement in his story of discipline and passion. He believed, "God has made him for Himself for China".
" I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure".- Eric Lidell
You see, Faith is like a muscle that when not exercised... atrophies. We are running for a great prize... or at least you should be! Putting not only our bodies through physical training, but exercising our faith too is of utmost importance.
It is something worth thinking about:
What goal are you running towards?
+
Is there joy and freedom experienced in your race?
+
Does each breath, step, stride bring you one step closer to the finish line?
Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on [h]so that I may lay hold of that [i]for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
