(I Samuel 1: 1 – 18)
1. Discipline (Self Control): Discipline is being able to exercise restraint in order to accomplish a set goal. Paul said “I keep under my body and bring it into subjection” (I Cor. 9: 27). A good athlete must be disciplined in order to win.
2. Focus: In order to be victorious, an athlete must focus on the goal. Hannah was focused on her goal of having a man child as she went to pray in Shiloh year after year. In I Pet. 5:8, the Bible says “Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”
3. Healthy: In order to win, an athlete must live healthy and be physically fit. Similarly, a Christian must be spiritually healthy in order to win the race of life. Sin is a germ that keeps us unhealthy. Hannah was spiritually healthy because her life was pleasing unto God.
4. Patience: An athlete must be patient in order to overcome all the challenges on the road to winning. For the Christian, winning the race of life also requires patience. The Bible says in Heb. 6:12 “that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Remember, delay is not denial.
5. Strength: In order to win, an athlete must be physically strong so as to overcome resistance. The word of God also encourages us to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:12). It took inner strength for Hannah to pray through.
6. Determination: A good athlete must be determined in
order to win. Hannah was determined to pray until something happened and
because she stayed the course, she became a winner. God granted her
request for a man child.
7. Faith (Belief):
In order to be victorious, a good athlete must believe in his ability
to win the race. For the Christian, our faith must be in God because He
is the only one that can help us win. Hannah placed her faith in God,
she won. 8. Proper Dressing? An athlete must be
properly dressed for the race in order to win. A Christian must also be
properly dressed for the race of life in order to win. God’s word in
Eph. 6: 12-18 describes the spiritual armor of the Christian which
includes belt of truth, propagation of the gospel, helmet of salvation,
breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, the word of God and
prayer.
All of thecharacteristics described above will allow
us to win against our main opponent which is the Devil and his demons.
As we pray, our prayer must be fervent (Js. 5: 16).
As we pray, our prayer must agree with God’s word (I Jn. 5:14).
As we pray, our prayer must be mixed with faith (Js. 1: 5 – 8).
As we pray, our prayer must be spoken (Num. 14:28)