The Liberty University men’s basketball program continued its success in 2020-21 with a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The university committed to retaining head coach Ritchie McKay and rewarding him with a third contract extension in as many years as possible. He responded, “I’m very appreciative of the commitment that’s been shown to my family and our basketball family. I love where I am now and where we are and the people that I’m around.” A month earlier, he told the Sports Spectrum Podcast, “I think just knowing and believing God’s Word and what it says about me and the promises that if you are weary, He will give you rest. That the good work that He has begun in you, He’ll be faithful to see it through. I think that relying on that and trusting in it gives me peace.”

1 Samuel 1-2 – Answered Prayers

God has always answered prayers for those who rely on Him, not just for Coach McKay. First Samuel 1-2 recounts Hannah’s passionate prayer. She was a faithful woman, desperate for a child, and she pleaded with God to give her a son. God answered her prayer when she gave birth to Samuel, who became Israel’s last judge. 

The essence of Hannah’s prayer is “God has the final say in all things.” She foretold the coming of Jesus Christ, God’s anointed One and Israel’s only Prophet, Priest, and King (1 Samuel 2:10). Years later, Mary praised God with similar words (Luke 1:46-55). Through her story, we learn valuable truths about God’s character and see His great faithfulness in keeping His promises.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete trust in God’s faithfulness and character to keep His promises to them. They know the world will never have peace until Jesus comes to establish true and lasting peace (Isaiah 11:1-10). Only Jesus can make it possible for us to have peace with God.