My favorite scene in the movie Chariots of Fire took place during the Stoke-on-Trent quarter-mile race in 1923. Eric Liddell tripped, falling behind the other runners by 20 to 30 meters. A setback during such a short-distance event is unrecoverable. But Liddell gave chase, catching each runner one by one, and won the race in the last three meters. Some said it was “the greatest ever track performance.” Eventually, he would set the British record for the 100-meter race that would last for 35 years.

Throughout his life, Eric Liddell seized every opportunity to run with great intensity and focus and to speak publicly about his Christian faith in the same way. Though he was introverted, he would often talk to large crowds who were more interested in hearing the runner than the preacher. God gave Liddell incredible speed but the humility and boldness to use his life for eternal purposes. He would later give his life as a missionary in China. As he left the Waverley Station for his missionary journey, he was asked to give a farewell speech. Rather than draw attention to himself, he led the crowd in the hymn “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er The Sun.”

Acts 25 – Seize Every Opportunity

When Festus replaced Felix as the Roman procurator, the Jewish leaders requested that Paul be brought from Caesarea to Jerusalem for a trial in Acts 25. Paul was a Jew whose countrymen wanted to kill him, and he was a Roman whose government did not know what to do with him. When Paul exercised his right to appeal to Caesar as a Roman citizen, he was finally sent to Rome. Throughout these difficult years, Paul seized every opportunity to preach the gospel and continually looked for ways to advance his missionary work.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are compelled by the gospel to live and share the good news of Jesus Christ with teammates, coaches, and fans. Their attitude is reflected in Jonathan Edward’s words, “Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.”

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “…And He [Lord] said to me [Paul], ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22:21 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Chariots of Fire