Monthly Devotional

Running the Race

August 2008

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

Eric Henry Liddell, the Olympiad whose life was depicted in “Chariots of Fire,” was born to run, claiming, "God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure."

Eric’s Scottish missionary parents told him that winning a medal wasn’t important but how he ran the race of life was. His father wanted Eric to run to get the prize:  God’s approval. His mother encouraged him to run for the glory of God.

In 1924, Eric was chosen for the British Olympic team. Months before the Olympics, Eric discovered many of his races were on the Sabbath and so withdrew from all Sunday competitions events. Eric followed God instead of running for his country. Eric still ran the races not scheduled for Sunday and took a bronze medal in the 200-meter. But he was also slated to run the 400-meter, which was not his favorite. As Eric approached the starting block, someone handed him a slip of paper reading, "Those who honor Me, I will honor" from Samuel 2:30. Indeed God honored Eric's pursuit. Eric broke the world record and earned the gold.

Though Eric derived great pleasure from his God-given talent, the "Flying Scotsman" was grounded in his faith and at the height of his career, left the racing track to become a missionary in China.

As a missionary, Liddell risked his life to save others, spiritually and physically. When the Japanese invaded China, he experienced looting, drought, famine, illness, and separation from his wife and children. During his internment in the Sino-Japanese war, Eric wrote a Manual of Christian Discipleship that illustrates the way he ran the Christian race. The questions from his manual are listed below. Any of us could learn from his devotions by asking ourselves each day:

1. Have I surrendered this new day to God, and will I seek and obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout its hours?
2. What have I specially to thank God for this morning?
3. Is there any sin in my life for which I should seek Christ’s forgiveness and cleansing? Is there any apology or restitution to make?
4. For whom does God want me to pray this morning?
5. What bearing does this morning’s Bible passage have on my life, and what does He want me to do about it?
6. What does God want me to do today and how does He want me to do it?

Eric understood that the greater race was in running for Jesus. As you watch the Olympics and savor the success of athletes, consider the finish line. What makes you feel God's pleasure? What race is set before you?

Father, help me to forget what is behind, but pursue what lies ahead. May I press on toward the goal to win the prize. May I run in such a way that glorifies You.

Copyright © 2008 - Ann Marie Stewart. All rights reserved.

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