Just as He has said....

Acts 27:23-25 NIV:
Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

There is a need for us to examine our stand in God again. Over the years, familiarity and ' the usual' seem to have dulled our awareness of God and His Word, and the great things his Word can accomplish in our lives. So many salient issues are raised in the passage under consideration.
First of all, we must settle the issue of our identity in God before we can hope to make an impact. Paul's statement shows confidence, assurance and a testimony that God was on his side. 'God, to whom I belong, and who I serve' is a fundamental pointer to the fact that until you are sure of where you stand and whose you are, you cannot claim anything from God. Until you stand is sure, you have no standard or entitlement.
Secondly, God is always speaking to us, and our lives would be much better if we learnt to listen to him. Most of us were brought up in the faith to believe that as Christians, we were immune from trials. However, with God, tests are the surest ways of knowing the contents of our character and the basis of our faith. If you are following God because you have been promised earthly comforts, please re-examine your stand.
Paul's presence was a catalyst for a miracle. Wherever a child of God finds him/herself, you must stand out. The God we serve may have a still small voice but the evidence of his Word shouts loud through our lives as we seek to glorify him with our words, conduct and company. When we talk, do people see God's grace dripping or do they feel venom? When we act out our beliefs and thoughts, are lives saved or condemned? Can our lives bring healing, comfort and relief to those around us who are hurting, in need of a Saviour? Or are we self-centred and selfish, concerned only about ourselves, seeking our own good only?
One last point to emphasie here is this: God's Word can be trusted, no matter what the external circumstances dictate. Here was Paul, in danger of a shipwreck, holding on to what God had told him. What are you holding on to: man's quality insurance policies or God's unwavering grace and Word? Man's policies have expiration dates and renewal clauses which cost money; God's unwavering grace and mercy are renewed every morning free of charge. Get a Word from God today as an anchor for your soul in the face of the daunting challenges that will come. Your foundation will determine how well you stand when the storms of life kick in.
Rejoice, for his time of favour is here.