A Life Laid Down: Reflections From the Centennial of Eric LiddellSample

Day 3: Making Difficult Choices – The Word of God Will Guide You

I love Psalm 119:105, which says “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” As we take our difficult decisions to God, we can trust in His word. In fact, we should be so rooted in the word of God, that we instinctively make the right difficult decisions, especially when we have crossroad moments.

But what if we’re not sure what to do? That’s when we can go to the word of God for direction.

Do you know that the word of God not only shows you where you are standing (a lamp to my feet), but it also shows you which direction you should go (a light to my path)? This is because God’s word is active, and alive, and helps us to discern exactly what we should do regarding every situation. We need to learn to rely on God’s word to direct our paths, and to trust that He knows what is best for our lives. This is true even if the Lord asks us to wait, and do things that are contrary to our own desires, or even to the culture and world around us.

Eric Liddell was guided by the word of God and held fast to his convictions. Having been disqualified from the 100m race, he opted instead to enter the 400m race – a very different race for a 100m sprinter. There’s a story where a fan handed Eric Liddell a small piece of paper with a note on it, and he slipped it into his pocket. Shortly before the 400m race, he pulled it out, and it simply said:

“It says in the Old Book, “Him that honors Me, I will honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30] Wishing you the best of success always.”

With the quiet assurance of man determined to glorify God, the day of the 400m race was extraordinary. Eric Liddell not only won the gold medal, but he also broke the world record, astounding the world and showing that God truly does honor those who honor Him.

If you’re facing a difficult decision, whether it is big or small, I encourage you to seek the guidance in the word of God today. Take your decisions to the Lord and ask Him to speak. He is faithful and will show you the best road to take. He will shine a light on the path that’s in alignment with His will for your life. And He will honor your faith as you choose to honor Him and walk in His ways.