"I Believe God"

by T.M. Hyland | Category: General | Jun 1987

The above phrase is a concise description of the apostle Paul's testimony during the famous voyage to Rome when he was shipwrecked as recounted in the vivid narrative in Acts 27. At the height of the storm which threatened the lives of the two hundred and seventy-six persons aboard that ill. fated ship, Paul's voice rang out with the confident assertion, "I believe God". The value of a man of faith is always most apparent in a time of crisis. Others may panic but not he. With the calm certainty of faith Paul intimated that although the vessel would be lost all on board would survive. By human standards the apostle's appraisal of the situation seemed foolhardy, yet such was the effect of Paul's message that crew and passengers were transformed. Desperation gave way to hope, and eventually they were all of good cheer (verse 36).

Thank God for men and women of faith who stand for Him when all around seems lost! One such can strengthen the faith of others in a crisis, and turn the course of events. Examples of this abound in Scripture. God needs such men and women today. He needs them in assemblies of God in times of trouble and stress which sometimes occur; men and women who will stand when others

fall, who will rally the hearts of the fearful and encourage the fainthearted. Such are above price.

In this crisis Paul not only expressed his utter confidence in his God but also used the occasion to declare his complete devotion to the One in whom he trusted. He did this in the memorable words: "the God whose I am, whom also I serve". We may write this noble confession over the life of this servant of God from his conversion to his final imprisonment and death. "What shall I do, Lord?", the words he spoke lying in the dust on the Damascus road became the dominant feature of his life. Wherever he journeyed, in whatever situation he was found, whether in prison, on a sinking ship or before kings and governors, he always "belonged", he always served.

The apostle's example should act as a spur to us today. In these perilous times we need above all else the confident faith and full committal which were so prominent in Paul's service. He marks the path to effective and constant witness. It is not only necessary that faith be strong but also that devotion be entire, that "I believe" be matched by "I belong". Then the service will flow fully and freely without display or affectation.

T.M. Hyland | Jun 1987
General