Eric Liddell Ran with God

“They will run and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

Eric Liddell was born in China in 1902 to missionary parents. When he and his brother were old enough, they were enrolled in a boarding school in their homeland of Scotland. Eric grew up to be a fine scholar as well as a very gifted runner, breaking all sorts of school records. When he went to the University of Edinburgh to study science, he continued his love for running. Soon his room was filled with trophies, so it was not surprising that he was chosen to represent Scotland in the 1924 Olympics. It was a great honor for him to run the 100 yard dash. However, after Eric learned that the race would be run on Sunday, he refused to participate, saying that Sunday was a day kept special for the Lord, not for human accomplishments. Although his friends pressured him to run, Eric said if he could not honor God in his running, he would not compete. But there was one other race he could run that was not on Sunday, the quarter-mile race. Just before the race began, someone put a note in his hand that read, “In the Bible it says, ‘He that honors me will I honor.’” As you might imagine, Eric not only won the race, but he set a world record. Eric became an instant hero.

After graduating, Eric received many offers to speak at church meetings, but his real love was to help the unfortunate people of China. He boarded an airplane and went back to his parents’ adopted land to teach science in a tiny mission school. As time went by, he married the daughter of another missionary family and they had two lovely daughters.

Sadly, the area of their mission was torn by war between the invading Japanese and the Chinese, so Eric moved his wife and children to a safer place. That was the last time he saw them. Eric continued traveling the countryside visiting small villages teaching the people about Jesus. Soon he and his friends were arrested and put into prison camps. These camps were horrible places with little food and no medical help. While there Eric suffered severe headaches. Eric died in the prison camp in 1945 from a brain tumor. In his final words Eric whispered that he was giving himself to Jesus.

What an example for us to follow! Eric Liddell was a great athlete, yet he was far more interested in spreading the love of Jesus to those in need. Truly he was a man who ran with God. Might we live our lives focused not on our personal achievements but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 Every morn with Jesus rise, and when day is ended,

In his name then close your eyes; be to Him commended.

(From the book “Living for Jesus” by Reynold R. Kremer)