This week we have been talking about hearing that inward voice of the Lord and learning how to live by faith as a way of life. The Lord told me to share testimonies Sunday night as part of the message, and I obeyed. I did not have a scripture reference that said, “Share these testimonies tonight.” That was the inward voice of the Holy Spirit, and I released my faith that it was the right thing to do. What I did not know was that Mark and Desiree were sitting in the audience, and that what they heard would be used by God the very next morning to produce a miracle.

The next day they went into a doctor’s appointment, and for a moment it appeared there was no heartbeat. Fear tried to grab hold of that room, but something had been deposited in them the night before. They began praying, and they stood on what they had learned about covenant. They said, “This is not our covenant.” They stood on the truth of God’s Word, and a healthy heartbeat was found. That testimony is not just emotional. It is a real-life example of how faith works, and it is also a clear picture of the character of God. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give life, and life more abundantly.

That is why we keep emphasizing the knowledge of God. Second Peter tells us that grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God, and that His divine power has already given us all things that pertain to life. That couple needed life, and life was produced as they acted on what they had learned. This is not reserved for a few people. It will work for anyone who will gain knowledge of God and put His Word to work in faith. That is one of the reasons we teach. We want you to know God, and we want you to know how to stand.

Knowing the character of God is also essential when you are reading Scripture. If you come across a verse that seems to contradict what God has clearly revealed about Himself, then you cannot ignore it. Faith stops at the question mark. You cannot have strong confidence in God if you are confused about who He is. Scripture gives us dividing lines that help us judge what we are reading. First John says God is love. Romans says nothing can separate us from His love. John 10:10 tells us the thief steals, kills, and destroys, but Jesus gives abundant life. When we settle those truths forever, we are able to recognize when something does not fit the character of God, and we are able to dig deeper for understanding.

We have to get this straight. Satan causes stealing, killing, and destroying. God does not. God will step in and deliver you, and He will turn things around for your good. People may say God caused the wreck so He could teach you something, but that is not true. Satan caused the destruction, and God brought deliverance. When you know the character of God, you will be able to stand with confidence, and you will be able to trust Him without wavering. God is still a miracle-working God today, and these things will happen for you because He loves you and because Jesus is Lord.