"For I Believe God"

The apostle Paul’s faith was an unwavering faith, even in times of great adversity. For example, when he was on a ship sailing for Italy, a great storm came up, tossing the ship to and fro (Acts 27:1-18). The sailors had lost all hope (Acts 27:20), but Paul told them that no lives would be lost, never doubting what the angel of God told him (Acts 27:22-24).

Paul encouraged them by saying: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:25).

Note that Paul said, “for I believe God.” This expression of faith formed the very center of Paul’s life (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul realized that the God in whom he place his complete and unreserved trust, was the same God who created all life (Acts 17:24-25), and had assigned him a commission to be carried out (Acts 9:10-16). Paul never lost sight of that commission (cf. Acts 13:2; Acts 22:21; Romans 1:1; Gal. 1:15-16; Ephesians 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:5-7; 2 Timothy 1:7-11).

One of the main reason for our failures in life, is that we do not totally, and without reservation, believe God and what He says to us through His Word. Consequently, we stumble through life without firm direction or purpose (cf. Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 13:9). It’s no wonder then why there is so much unhappiness and apprehension in our world today — even among followers of Christ.

Beloved, when the storms of life are fearfully raging around us, let us, like Paul, rise to the pinnacle of victory, firmly declaring, “for I believe God” (Acts 27:25).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets