Chariots of Fire: Sensing God's Pleasure in Calling - Anglican (Exodus 3)

Picture a chilly Scottish morning, the sun just beginning to cast its golden rays over the misty hills. Eric Liddell, a young man with a heart full of passion, stands at the starting line, the air thick with anticipation. He takes a deep breath, feeling the cool wind brush against his skin. As the gun fires, he sprints forward, his feet pounding against the track, and in that exhilarating moment, he exclaims, "When I run, I feel His pleasure."

This isn't just a fleeting sentiment; it is a profound revelation—a burning bush moment where Liddell discovers not only his gift for running but also his divine purpose. Just as Moses encountered God in the flame of a bush, made glorious by the ordinary sheep he tended, Liddell finds his calling manifesting through the rhythmic cadence of his legs and the rush of the breeze.

In the Anglican tradition, we are taught to discern God’s call not only through Scripture but also through our experiences, our community, and the wisdom of those who have walked before us. Liddell embodies this beautifully. Every stride he takes is a testament to what it means to serve God through our unique gifts.

As we navigate our own lives, we, too, stand at the starting line of our calling. Like Moses, we may feel inadequate, perhaps even ordinary, but God has equipped us to turn our simple shepherd’s staff—our daily skills—into miraculous tools. Whether in the sanctuary of a cathedral or the mundane tasks of everyday life, God’s voice beckons us. The question remains: Are we attuned to hear it? Are we willing to run, to step into the rhythm of His pleasure, and embrace our divine calling?