Champion athlete Eric Liddells decision not to run on Sunday in the 1924 Olympic Games was not difficult because of his deep belief that the Lords Day was for worship and rest.
A more agonizing dilemma had come a year earlier when Eric was asked to speak about his faith in Christ to a group of coal miners. Liddell said of his struggle: My whole life had been one of keeping out of public duties but the leading of Christ seemed now to be in the opposite direction, and I shrank from going forward. At this time I finally decided to put it all on Christafter all if He called me to do it, then He would have to supply the necessary power. In going forward the power was given me.
The day after agreeing to publicly share his faith, Eric received a letter from his sister, Jenny, in China. Written weeks before, it ended with this verse of Scripture: Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10).
Every call from God is an opportunity for us to say Yes, trusting His strength and not our own.
Read: Isaiah 41:8-14
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