I Believe God- Part 2

Introduction

Paul now finds himself aboard a ship it seems is bound for destruction in the midst of a terrible tempest which shows no sign of easing.

Paul has spent time with God and has received a message from God that he and all onboard the ship shall ultimately be saved and yet it seems that things are only growing worse.

Paul has already stated publicly that he has chosen to believe God but now his faith in God will be put to the test as the tempest rages on.

You and I may say that we believe God and His Word but inevitably we will find our faith tested and tried by the storms of life. The question is, how will we respond when it seems that things are progressing from bad to worse?

As the tempest continues to rage we see in the life of the Apostle Paul the:

Demonstration of Belief in God (Vs. 27-35)

Paul truly believed God and was willing to demonstrate that belief through his actions.

The storm that he and the other passengers onboard the ship were experiencing did not cease the moment that Paul made his announcement instead it continued to rage.

In the midst of the chaos some of the shipmen obviously did not believe God and were attempting to escape on board the smaller vessel, but Paul was certainly not among them.

In fact it was Paul who put a quick end to their escape attempt. Paul was willing to demonstrate his belief in God by his behavior.

Paul did not attempt to flee the situation, instead Paul encouraged them to strengthen themselves by taking some food to prepare them for what was ahead.

Paul demonstrated his confidence in what God had said by his own behavior. What a strong testimony this provided of his belief in God and His Word.

How many believers there are today who would state, like Paul, that they believe in God, but their behavior provides evidence instead of their lack of confidence in Him.

If we believe God we will behave according to what He has said. Have we been guilty of stating our belief in God while failing to allow that belief to shape our behavior?

Most of us would state that we believe what God has said and yet so often we refuse to allow what He has said to shape how we live our lives.

Notice also verse 38 where they cast the rest of the food into the sea, demonstrating their belief in God’s deliverance.

1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 KJV 1900

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Do you believe that these words are true? If so then why do we sit by as though we have forever to live and accomplish nothing for Christ?

Does our behavior provide evidence of our belief in God or evidence to the contrary?

Disposition of Belief in God (Vs. 36-40)

Paul had already told all onboard the ship that they should be of good cheer, but finally it seems that they also are beginning to believe as they were all of good cheer.

Panic often begets panic, and panic was by this time running rampant onboard the ship.

Yet Paul is not panicked but remains calm and cool-headed even as the storm rages around him. Paul’s calm was the result of his confidence in God.

He was certain that he and all the others on board would ultimately be delivered and their lives preserved.

While everyone around him is panicking, Paul decides instead to pray and give thanks to God likely not only for their food but for the deliverance he was certain was going to come.

Notice how after this prayer they were all of good cheer. It seems as though the other passengers could sense the strength of Paul’s belief in God and that they too finally began to believe that God would deliver them because of Paul’s testimony.

Imagine how different the scene would have been if Paul also would have been panicked and fearful. The calm and resolute faith which Paul demonstrated had a profound effect upon those around him.

There have been many events which have taken place over the last several days, and weeks which would cause so to panic and to be fearful.

You and I must by our very disposition seek to put forth evidence of our belief in God. How tragic it is to see Christians who are consumed by anxiety and fear. How sad to see so many believers overwhelmed with despair and discouragement.

You and I ought to have the same disposition as the Apostle Paul of resolute faith in God. We may not know exactly how everything is going to turn out, but we must continue to trust God and not surrender to anxiety or despair.

Those who do not yet know Christ need to see the evidence of our faith especially in the midst of a crisis if there is ever to be any hope of leading them to Christ in the future.

When unbelievers see Christians falling apart in a crisis situation just the same as those without Christ, why would they want what we have?

Validation of Belief in God (Vs. 41-44)

Ultimately Paul’s belief in God would be validated when what God told Paul would happen actually comes to pass exactly as he said it would.

When you and I place our trust in God and His Word we will always find that our faith shall be validated.

There has never been a single individual who has put their faith in God and His Word and has come away disappointed.

God always and in every case will keep His Word exactly as He has said.

Paul stated that not one life would be lost and the lives of every passenger on board the ship are miraculously preserved from the Roman guards and from the danger of the sea.

Paul stated that they must be cast upon an island and in the end this is exactly what happens as they find themselves on the shore of the island of Malta.

God has proven time and time again that He always keeps His Word and not one promise that He has made shall go unfulfilled.

If God has promised that Jesus shall return then you and I can confidently believe this promise. If He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us, we can take Him at His Word.

If He has promised that He shall one day rule and reign upon the earth then we must believe that it shall be exactly as He has said.

Those who believe God and take Him at His Word shall always find their faith validated, yet sadly many who have refused to believe God shall find that their unbelief will not hinder God in the slightest from keeping His Word.

Romans 3:3–4 KJV 1900

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

The failure to believe God often has serious consequences.

Hebrews 3:12-19- the Israelites entered not into the promised land because of their unbelief.

Sadly many shall not inherit eternal life because they refuse to take God at His Word supposing they have found some better way.

Conclusion

Do you believe God today?

Does you behavior provide strong evidence of your belief in God or does is it evidence to the contrary?

Does you disposition prove that your confidence is in God or would it cause those around you to question your faith?

We must always take God at His Word and trust that our faith shall ultimately be validated when God delivers upon the promises He has made!