What Are You Doing When You Feel God’s Pleasure?

Excerpted from “Chapter 18” of “Now That’s A Great Question.”

Do you remember the movie, Chariots of Fire?

In 1981, Chariots of Fire won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It also took top honors for Best Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Costume Design.

If you have never seen it, here is a brief synopsis of the story, summarized by Ben J. Ditzel:

“On a Sunday in Paris, France at the 1924 Olympics Eric Liddell disqualified himself from the 100 meters because of his conviction not to run on the Sabbath. This put Britain’s hope of a medal in jeopardy as well. The British were very disappointed in him because he was the favorite to win the 100 meters race and he wasn’t going to run. Instead, Eric was going to run in the 400 meters race. This was a race he wasn’t prepared or trained for. He was criticized and mocked by people in the streets, shops and diners. 

Nevertheless, despite fears, Eric ran to victory, five meters ahead of the silver medalist. Eric Liddell had won the Gold Medal and a world record, but most important of all, Eric had kept his commitments to his convictions of faith and belief in God. After the Olympics and graduation he returned to North China where he served as a missionary from 1925 to 1943. He was a man who ran, spoke and lived with great faithfulness and solid commitment to Christ.”

If you have never seen Chariots of Fire—rent it—you are in for a treat!

If you have seen Chariots of Fire, I have a question for you: what is your favorite quote from the movie?

One of the most famous is this:

“I believe that God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run I feel his pleasure.”
— Eric Liddell

All that you have read so far is simply a set-up for asking you one of my favorite questions: “What are you doing when you feel God’s pleasure?”

God made you for a purpose. He hardwired you with strengths and talents. When you are in your “sweet spot” it is almost effortless. Your results are 3-10 times greater than anything you have to do through sheer discipline and intentionality. 20% of what you do produces 80% of your results. For you, what is that 20% that produces 80%?

Would you please be so kind as to share your answer to “What are you doing when you feel God’s pleasure?“ with me? bob.tiede@cru.org Reading your response will make my day! Thank you in advance!

You have just read the “Chapter 18” from “Now That’s a Great Question.”  You can request your free download of the entire book to read the other 29 Chapters by clicking “HERE!”