Shaking Things Up

Does it feel like God is shaking things up in your life recently?

“‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.’ This phrase, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”—Hebrews 12:26–27 NASB

Sometimes, God turns things upside down to get our attention and to teach us.

How easily we can assume that we’re in control of life. We focus on our desires, seek our own ways, and forget about God. Some even defy Him, ignore His Word, mock and ridicule Him, deny His existence, or openly embrace evil.

God might shake things up in minor ways, but at times He shakes the earth through calamities, storms, floods, and other natural disasters. Or He may allow wars, diseases, unemployment, poverty, economic upheaval, and political unrest. Such shakings remind us that God is holy. He “is a consuming fire” (v. 29).

These upsets point us away from “created things” and toward “those things which cannot be shaken” (v. 27). During these times, we realize that everything on earth can be shaken and nothing in this world is secure.

But some things cannot be shaken—God Himself, His Word, His promises, His truth, our salvation.

Today, people all over the world are being shaken. Some continue in their own ways and remain defiant. But others turn to God and listen to His message.

Focus on God. Offer Him your “acceptable service with reverence and awe” (v. 28). Praise and worship Him. Dedicate your time, talents, and treasures to Him. Place your faith and trust in Him, and seek His unshakable Kingdom.

Reflection Question: What is God shaking in your life, and what are you going to do about it?