I Believe God
By: Bishop Arthur F. Mosley
The apostle Paul went on record with some of the most profound statements in the Christian faith. His words are often quoted by believers and nonbelievers. These statements are in Scriptures and are a true source of inspiration, strength, and encouragement. For example, it was Paul who wrote the following:
Ephesians 3:20
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us[1]
Philippians 1:6
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: [2]
Philippians 4:19
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [3]
Without question, each of the above verses are impactful. Paul’s list of uplifting verses goes on and on. However, one of Paul’s most impacting statements was not written by him. It was something he spoke. That is, in Acts 27, Luke records one of Paul’s absolutely profound statements. He recorded Paul saying, “I believe God…”.
The power of Paul’s statement in Acts 27:25 is seen in the conditions in which he spoke these words. In short, Paul is a prisoner on a ship. While sailing to Rome, where Paul will be tried, the ship is caught in a storm, a terrible storm. For several days, the ship is battered by the winds and waves. There are times when our lives are battered by challenges and struggles. The captain and crew feared the worst – losing the ship, cargo, and passengers. It was a very dark and challenging time.
While things were difficult and at their worst, Paul shares with others the divine message he had received. Here is what Paul told his hopeless audience.
Acts 27:23-25
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.[4]
Notice, Paul shared the divine message he received. He is quite detailed. One, Paul gave the source of the message. The source is God – the Almighty, All knowing, and All powerful God! When God is the ultimate source of the message, you can trust the message. Two, Paul gave the time. He received this message at night. Night is not the most comfortable time. All of us get those night seasons. But the night season is transformed from hopeless to hopeful by a divine message. Three, there is the message’s content. In short, the message is, “Do not be afraid. Paul, you will arrive at your destination. All who are on board will get there too”. Wow! This is amazing – what an encouraging message of assurance. Will you receive that assurance today? For all of us, life is a journey. By faith, we will arrive at our divinely ordained destination, despite the darkness and storms.
Paul made his position clear. In the midst of darkness and the storm, Paul went on record with the words, “I believe God”. In essence, Paul said he was keeping his faith, trust, and confidence in God, and he continued to take this position after the storm ceased. Paul continued to rely on God even when it was dark and stormy.
What darkness are you facing? What storm is battering your mind? Is your family facing challenges? I ask you the same question the Lord asked Abraham when Sarah doubted his power. He asked, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”. I encourage you to speak Paul’s powerful words. Speak them until they are lodged and ingrained in your inner most being – “I believe God!”.
[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Eph 3:20.
[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Php 1:6.
[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Php 4:19.
[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Ac 27:23–25.
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