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

Day 5: Finishing Strong – Consistent To The End

This much is clear: as you walk in faith, you will need to surrender what you think your life should look like.

Eric Liddell found himself a world away from the Olympic fame that he won at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. At the internment camp in China years later, he made a profound impact on the other people and embodied his Christian faith in a remarkable way. However, by 1944, he suffered a stroke, and was in failing health with cancer. Unfortunately, in February 1945, Eric Liddell slipped into a coma, and shortly thereafter died.

After the war, it was revealed that through various routes, Eric had been given the opportunity to leave the camp. However, staying true to his convictions, he gave preference to a pregnant woman instead, and stayed in the internment camp where he died.

Ultimately, the walk of faith is not for fame or glory in this world. The race we run as Christians has a far more important crown, a crown that never fades away. Eric Liddell understood this reality and gave himself fully to pursuing the biblical promises he held so dear. The life of faith will have highs and lows, and we’re called to persevere even when things are tough. Looking at the life of Eric Liddell, we see an example of a man who laid everything on the line for the gospel, and demonstrated what it means to walk by faith. When confronted time and again with difficult choices, he chose the path of Christ, and continued until the end.

One of the things he did in the internment camp is taught his favorite hymn to children, a hymn which perfectly captures the security of his faith in Christ, and the promises that we as Christians can hold onto with confidence:

By still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still, my soul, thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Brothers and sisters, the upward call of God in our lives is so great, and the invitation to lay our lives down for the gospel - regardless of the cost - is so needed in this hour. As we reflect on the centennial celebration of Eric Liddell's bold stand for his faith at the 1924 Olympics, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself the same questions that were posted on the first day of this plan:

What is the condition of my faith today?

Do I tend to choose the world, or the kingdom of God?

In what ways have I laid down my desires for the larger call of God on my life?

If this plan encouraged you, please check out the planned festivities for the Centennial Celebration of Eric Liddell this year at https://www.ericliddell2024.com/. To learn more about ministry activities happening this summer at the Paris games, check out https://www.parismissions.org/ and to learn more about efforts to connect kingdom ministries, churches, and believers around the world visit https://www.kingdomimpactnetwork.org/.