fights his natural inclination to continue sleeping is as powerful as a strong lion.
The Avos d'Rebbi Nosson (23:1) adds, "There is no one stronger than giborei Torah - the mighty warriors of Torah." Those who study Torah diligently also demonstrate the middah of gevurah. By sacrificing their time, their sleep, and even their financial well-being, they act against human nature. Similarly, the Gemara (Gittin 36b) says, "Those who are shamed but do not embarrass in return, they are insulted but do not respond...about them the posuk says, 'And those who love Him (Hashem) will be like the sun rising in its full strength.' (Shoftim 5:31)" One who resists his desire for retribution is compared to the strength of a rising sun.
What is the reward for those who overcome their natural tendencies in order to serve Hashem? They are treated to extraordinary blessing. Chazal comment (Midrash Rabba, Vayeishev 87:8), "The sea split in the merit of Yosef's bones - 'The sea saw and fled (Tehillim 114:3)' in the merit of the one about whom it says, 'And he fled and went outside. (Vayeishev 39:12)'" Hashem performed a miracle and split the sea before Klal Yisrael in the merit of Yosef who acted with superhuman strength when he resisted the wife of Potiphar and he ran outside. One who acts against his nature is repaid with supernatural blessing.
Similarly, Chazal say, "One who is not so exacting in the way he deals with others will have his sins forgiven. (Yoma 23a)" If someone overlooks a wrong that he has suffered, then Hashem will also overlook that person's wrongdoings. One who rises above his natural instincts when dealing with others is not judged in heaven by the normal rules.
This idea - the importance of controlling one's natural impulses - is especially relevant during the period of Sefiras HaOmer. On Pesach we offer the Korban HaOmer which is made of barley, an animal food (see Sotah 14a), while on Shavuos we bring the Shtei HaLechem (two loaves) which are made of wheat, a human food. These korbanos symbolize the inner transformation that the Torah demands of us - to overcome our natural animal instincts for self-satisfaction, and to act instead with restraint and self-control. By observing mitzvos with dedication and discipline, and by interacting with others with humility and self-control, we demonstrate a powerful inner strength, and we make ourselves worthy of extra blessing.
