The 1924 Paris Olympics promised to be an exciting event, and the world waited to see some of the best athletes take center stage. Eric Liddell, a Scottish sprinter, was expected to win the 100-meter race. This was his strongest event and the race he had focused on preparing for. However, in an unprecedented move that stunned honored God, and God in turn honored his faithfulness. His victory was a reminder that success comes from God and not from human strength and ability alone. After the Olympics, Liddell could have continued to compete. He was a gifted athlete who excelled in multiple sports, yet he chose not to pursue what could have brought him more recognition and financial gain. Instead of continuing his fame as an Olympic hero, he left the spotlight in 1925 to become a missionary in China and eventually an ordained minister.

Liddell’s story did not end there. Despite giving up a life of fame and comfort, he felt he was not doing enough to glorify God. In 1936, he sensed a call to take on a significantly more difficult mission and serve in a war-torn area. This decision eventually led to his separation from his wife and daughters, who moved to Canada for their safety. This decision also meant that Liddell would never see his youngest daughter, as his wife was pregnant when she moved to Canada. the world and fellow athletes, he decided to withdraw from the event. Liddell had learned that the qualifying heats for the 100 meters were scheduled for a Sunday, and he was not willing to miss church. He made the bold and unexpected decision to compete in the 200- and 400-me- ter races instead.

Liddell’s choice to give up his specialty event and pursue something new showed the world what uncompromising faith looks like. It was a decisive moment on an international stage that demonstrated what it means to stay true to your convictions. Liddell understood the conse- quences of his decision, yet the most important thing to him was honoring God. Competing in his strongest event could have brought him victory, but it would also have meant missing church, and he was not willing to do that, even for his own benefit.

Once his decision was made, he committed to training for the 200- and 400-meter races. He prayed, trained hard, and trusted God with whatever the outcome would be. He knew he had little time to prepare and that the odds were not in his favor. Still, he chose to let go and let God. Liddell not only won, but he won magnificently. He earned a bronze medal in the 200 meters and a gold medal in the 400 meters, setting both an Olympic and a world record.

During World War II, he was placed in a Japanese internment camp he where he faced tremendous hardship. Yet even in suffering, Liddell saw every moment as an opportunity to serve the people around him. He taught children, uplifted the discouraged, stepped in wherever he was needed, and shared whatever he had. He did all of this with joy and grace. Liddell died in the internment camp at age 43 from an undiagnosed brain tumor. His death left a large void, but he also left behind an incredible legacy that reflected the true essence of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He was a man who ran his earthly race with courage and conviction. He placed service above recognition and lived a humble life marked by sacrifice and compassion. He kept his faith, lived his values, surrendered his all to God, and showed the world what it means to live a value-based Christian life, especially when it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, and challenging.