Every believer understands this: to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge. And this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to the Christian.

It strengthens faith. Scripture constantly speaks of believers as people who have been enlightened, taught by the Lord himself. They have "an anointing from the Holy One." The Spirit's particular work is to lead them into all truth. And why? To grow and nurture their faith.

But knowledge strengthens love as well as faith. Knowledge opens the door, and through that door we see our Savior. Or think of it this way: knowledge paints the portrait of Jesus. And when we see that portrait, then we love him. We cannot love a Christ we do not know—at least not deeply. If we know little of the excellencies of Jesus, what he has done for us, what he is doing right now, we cannot love him much. But the more we know him, the more we will love him.

Knowledge also strengthens hope. How can you hope for something if you don't even know it exists? Hope may be the telescope, but until we receive instruction, our ignorance blocks the lens like a hand over the glass. We see nothing. Knowledge removes what blocks our view. And when we look through that bright lens, we see the glory that is coming, and we anticipate it with confident joy.

Knowledge gives us reasons for patience too. How can we endure unless we know something of Christ's sympathy? Unless we understand the good that will come from the correction our heavenly Father sends? Listen: there is not one single grace in the Christian life that will not be nurtured and perfected by holy knowledge.

How crucial then that we grow not only in grace, but in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The people who know their God will be strong. Do you want strength? Then know him. Know him deeply. Know him truly. This is where power comes from.