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| Photo by: 'The Guardian' 1924 |
This true story revolved around two main athletes who participated and won gold in the 1924 Olympics. I would like to focus on Eric Liddell, the Scottish (amateur) athlete who was born in China and ran and won the gold for Britain in the 400 meter final. "...what was perhaps the greatest quarter-mile race ever won."~ 'The Guardian' July 12, 1924. Liddell lived, ran, and died all for the Glory of God. My favorite quote of Eric Liddell's is taken from a scene just after winning a race. "...I want you to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will. Energy of soul.... So who am I to say, believe, have faith in the face of life's realities? .....I have no formula for winning a race. Everyone runs in their own way or in his own way. Then where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts you truly seek Me, you shall ever surely find Me." [Luke 17:21 & Jeremiah 29:13] If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race."
Each morning we awake to different conditions along the way. Our morals and beliefs are challenged by co-workers, classmates, friends, and even family. Negative influences may distort our vision, advancing our course awry. Perhaps we begin to falter. Fall. What then? There is a choice to be had. Will you then choose to get up to steer a course on the straight and narrow? No matter the outcome? Will you run once again, perhaps yet with greater determination?
Run with excellence. Draw strength from He who resides within. When you run, feel His pleasure. Find joy along your journey, persevere at all times, and when you reach that finish line, you shall have won that glorious crown.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." ~ 2 Timothy 4:7
