by Susan Jiosa

Created on: October 19, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2011

Characters of the Old Testament lay out a foundation for us to learn and live by.  Every story in the Old Testament uses each character to show us faith and why we should believe in God, courage and why we should trust God, acceptance as Gods children, The correction of God when we sin, hope in God when we are weak, patience when we are suffering, promises of God He always keeps, God’s mercy on the sinner, understanding God and what He wants from us, and most importantly; we learn how very much God loves His children and wants to bless us.

King David teaches us how to trust and rely on God for everything. Every battle he fought he called on God to lead the way.  One of the greatest descriptions of David’s true, pure faith is shown in Psalm 3 when his camp has been surrounded by many enemies.  Though some people doubted David’s faith, he was complete and sure that God would protect them no matter what.  “Many are they who say of me, there is no help for him in God. But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.  Psalm 3:2-3.  He goes on to say in verses 4 and 5, “I cried to the Lord with my voice and He heard me from His holy hill.  I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.”  King David trusted God so completely that he actually lay down and went to sleep even though he knew his camp was surrounded by many enemies that could attack in the middle of the night. THAT is TRUE faith!  He trusted that God would sustain him, he placed it all in God’s hands and then he went to sleep.  God wants his beloved children to know that no matter what battle you are facing; if you put it into His hands that He WILL sustain you and keep you safe from harm.  The key to this lesson is faith, trust and believing. 

The character of Job teaches us patience through suffering and faith in God even at your lowest times. Though Job suffered greatly, He still continued to worship and praise God daily.  “Whatever happens, may the name of the Lord be praised”. Job 1:21 Job knew that there was more beyond this life and he completely trusted God.  “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him Job 13:15  Job shows us that suffering can be faced without losing our faith and that once his testing was complete, God would raise him higher than before.  “He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I

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