The Power of Knowledge

On my trip to Liberia, I felt as if I got a sneak peek on the beginnings of a powerful work of God.  Petals of Hope International opened their first academy, a school just for young girls, and I got to be there on the opening week.  I can still see them in their tan and red uniforms, bright red socks, hair carefully braided, and full of smiles. You could feel the pride radiating from each of them.  Their hope, joy, and excitement was almost tangible.

This new school brought me face to face with the unfortunate reality that for many girls worldwide getting a good education is unaffordable, unavailable, or even unsafe.  For most of the students this was their first opportunity to attend school. That is why my friend Beth started Petals of Hope – to reach her native country Liberia.  She understands that education is critical to making a long-term impact in a community. While our team was there, we were told about how misinformation and lack of knowledge has held women (and men) in bondage and created untold amounts of sexual misuse and abuse.  The education offered at Petals of Hope will give these girls a foundation of truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.  And as the ministry expands, more schools we be started to give many more children the opportunity for an education.

Just like the knowledge these girls receive will equip them for life, knowledge empowers me and you to live the life God has called us to. Thinking about knowledge, I am reminded:

• Knowledge protects us from destruction. In the Old Testament God talks about how His people were destroyed because they lacked knowledge.  Lack of knowledge makes us vulnerable and open to attack. (Hosea 4:6)
• Knowledge brings light and life. Jesus came to shine light in the darkness and His light brings us to the knowledge of God. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
• Knowledge can be abused. Like any powerful thing, while knowledge can also be transformational, it can also be misapplied. (1 Corinthians 8:1)
• God is the source of true knowledge. Self-sufficiency or looking to the world’s wisdom will never produce knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)
• Knowledge brings satisfaction. Without knowing God we will always be hungering for something more. If properly directed our hunger can drive us into deeper relationship with God. (Isaiah 5:13)
• Knowledge brings stability. It allows us to slow down and trust, rather than rush into decisions. (Proverbs 19:2-3)

If you are interested in learning more about Petals of Hope or giving a donation, you can visit their website www.petalsofhopeinternational.org.

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Hosea 4:6 NASB

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6 NASB

Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.
1 Corinthians 8:1 NASB

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 NASB

Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge; And their honorable men are famished, and their multitude is parched with thirst.
Isaiah 5:13 NASB

Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs. The foolishness of man ruins his way, and his heart rages against the LORD.
Proverbs 19:2-3 NASB