“In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
There have been many Olympic athletes who have captured the attention of Americans. Jim Thorpe, Carl Lewis, and Mary Lou Retton are just a few. But there is one Olympian who has captured more than our attention. His story has gripped our nation’s wonder and imagination: Eric Lidell.
Lidell was a true athlete and a true Christian. He followed his calling to the greatest detail, even to the point of forfeiting a chance for a gold medal when he refused to run on Sunday. It would be his British partner who would win that race, leaving Lidell to win the second race later in the week.
What captures our imagination so is not Lidell’s athletic prowess. Eric Lidell was a man who knew the outcome of life’s race and ran accordingly. He placed his Master’s voice above his coach’s advice — God above country and ambition. He even placed his Lord above personal disappointment because he knew that: “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Eric Lidell was a man at peace with God and the world. Imagine the pressure his fans and peers pushed on him to race just ten mere seconds on that Sunday. But to Eric those ten seconds would bring toil and unrest in his soul.
The victory was not Lidell’s to win. Christ had said, “I, not you Eric Lidell, have overcome the world.” In that promise, Lidell lived at peace and won a crown brighter than any medal.
Lord, let me see the finish line of eternity and run the race on Your terms. Let me play out the race of life as if the tape were about to snap across my chest. You have won the victory, and I praise You for it.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
