"I Still Believe"

by Dr. Ann Pearson on May 18, 2020

The title of this movie, I Still Believe intrigued me so much I took the time recently to watch it. The movie is based on the true story of Christian artist Jeremy Camp. One of the songs used in the movie is “I Still Believe” and I wanted to begin the devotional with these words.

I Still Believe in Your Faithfulness

I Still Believe in Your Truth

I Still Believe in Your Holy Word

Even when I don’t see,

I Still Believe

Many of us look for understanding in situations that we cannot comprehend. Gaining insights and perspectives help us to learn as we travel through our daily lives. Writers have provided four inspiring spiritual lessons from the movie.

1. Love Never Fails:

The way the main character, Jeremy, chose to walk through the heartbreaking times with his wife is exactly how God chooses to walk with us. This movie gives us a powerful, living metaphor for how God loves us, and therefore, how we should love others.

God tells us in Isaiah 43:1-3:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

John 15:12
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

2. God Answers Prayers

This film is as much about God’s sovereignty as it is about love. It is a beautiful demonstration of what it looks like to live prayerfully. God was working through prayer in both of the couple’s hearts in order to make His will come about, but in ways that require vulnerability and courage on both their parts. It requires us making the decision and commitment to join God in the journey and trusting His plan even when we cannot see.

Micah 7:7

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Psalm 130: 5,6

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;my soul waits for the Lord…..

3. But God Doesn’t Always Answer the Way We Want

As believers, we have all had that moment of being faced with the cold, hard fact that God did not answer our prayer the way we wanted Him to. We hold in one hand what we know to be true: that God is love and that His will is perfect. But in the other, we hold tragedy and pain. It can seem impossible to reconcile the two.

Even when God doesn’t provide what we think is best, we can choose to still believe in his loving character beyond what we can see.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

4. God Does Not Waste Our Suffering
A theme shared throughout the film is the idea that God, like a master painter creates a beautiful masterpiece in each of us. And just like He uses every individual to create a bigger picture, he does the same for our stories of suffering. He uses us to complete the delicate intricate plan for our lives. God has woven all of our stories together; our blessings and our sufferings. Both paint the picture of His beautiful plan and draw us closer to the heart of God.

1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

2 Corinthians 1:3,4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Through scripture I find hope in the promises of God. As the body of Christ works together I close with these words. “I will believe for you when you can’t believe. And you believe for me when I cannot believe. And through our faith we find strength in each other.”

So the question before you…

Will You Still Believe?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we long to be close to you. You are the Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, our Light in the darkness. You are at work all around us mending hearts and healing wounds even when we don’t see You. No matter what happens in our lives we will stay close to You and worship You. You are our rock and foundation for our lives. We love you Lord and need you always. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

In Christ love,

Dr. Ann Pearson

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

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