One of the best movies i have watched is called ‘Chariots of fire’. It is inspired from the true life story of Eric Liddell who won the gold medal at the Olympics in Paris in 1924. He was a Scottish athlete and a committed born again Christian. His parents were missionaries in China. He was a very fast runner. He prepared for the 100 meters race. When he was told that the heat for that race was on a Sunday he refused to run. He said that God commanded His people to rest on the Sabbath and to go to church. His stand brought him a lot of persecution. The news went all over the world. The Olympic committee put pressure on him but he refused to compromise his stand. Then one of his team mates suggested that they can exchange their races. Eric can run the 400 meters race and he will run the 100 meters. This was a much more difficult race and he was not prepared for it, but he agreed. Miraculously, the Olympic committee approved the switch.

The very Sunday he was to run he was invited to the Church of Scotland in Paris to preach. He encouraged the congregation from the Book of Isaiah 40:31.
“But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint”
He ended by saying: ‘if you honor God, God will honor you!’

The word of truly prophetic! Two days later he ran in the finals of the 400 meters race. The Americans were the all time favorites. Nobody gave Eric a chance. They all stated running. Half way in the race the French runner pushed him and he fell injuring his knee. For few seconds he lied down there looking the sky… He had to chose between victory and defeat. He silently called the name of Jesus. Then, in much pain, he got up. Limping, he stated running again. To everybody’ surprise he overtook them all and won the gold medal to the glory of God! After this success he fulfilled his vow. He never ran again. He went as a missionary to China. He died there in 1945 serving The Lord!

I remember this story especially now. It is such an inspiration! As you know, four weeks ago I fell and broke my ankle. For now, I have to stay on bed rest in a cast. But this early Sunday morning, I am encouraged to get up and dance again! To the glory of God! This is a great lesson for us all: Even if you fall, you don’t have to give up your dream! Against all odds, you can rise again and still win that battle! Your enemies shall be disappointed! The devil is a liar! Your friends shall rejoice! God is on your side! Jesus is Lord!

This is is a quote from his book:
“It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the true medals.” (Eric Liddell)

(The movie can be seen fee of charge on utube. The original song is very anointed! in the picture you see the real Eric Liddell)