He cared deeply, allowing the needs of the people he
served to become the burdens he brought to God.
“Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him” (7:9).
Spiritual champions nurture and care for others by lifting them to God - who is their own source of strength and help. Children can
learn early that God is trustworthy. They also tend to care easily for others. In training champions, it is important to help them learn
the importance of intercessory prayer while they are young. If you do, you empower them to shape a life-long habit of care praying.
He had a long and distinguished career.
What champion-like
qualities resulted
in Samuel's life?
He heard when God
spoke to him.
The Bible says, “The Lord called Samuel. And
he answered, “Here I am,” (3:4) and then it
gives a rather intimate expression of God’s
communion with Samuel when it says, “The
Lord had told Samuel in his ear” (9:15).
People can recognize when God is speaking
to them without learning it as a child, but
children are without doubt somewhat
naturally in tune to hearing God’s voice. Their
minds and lives are not yet cluttered with the
lies and agenda that compete with God. It is
important to nurture this time of openness
to God in children because once begun, it
is possible to sustain, and when actively
experienced as a teenager, a child is likely to be
a lifelong follower of Jesus. Hearing God speak
is central to a living, personal faith in Christ.
32
“Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life” (7:15). Remem-
ber this, good habits generate a lifetime of success and
distinction. This is a clear measure of spiritual champions.
Our world is desperate for spiritual champions. What
kind of champion are you raising? Will you commit to the
challenge of raising your children and this generation to be
champions for Christ? And, will you be the champion they
are looking to follow?