Our Firm Foundation by Andrea Marino

It is not unusual during the winter months to see a lot of shaking going on. It brings to mind the verse in Hebrews 12:27, where God speaks of shaking the whole earth, yet once more. I certainly don’t like the idea; I naturally resist such a shaking about me. But in nature we are given a picture: a strong winter wind, blowing through the trees, vigorously shaking its branches. We can be sure of a message from God coming through the things He created.

When we receive salvation through Jesus, God does not leave us “as is.” No, He gets busy shaking off the worthless things in our lives. Becoming a new person in Christ sure isn’t easy. But, there are things we cling to that actually cause us harm, threatening our well-being, as well as others–all of it thwarting the life of abundance Jesus died to provide. Interestingly enough, the mighty oak tree holds many of its leaves through winter. Brown and dead, these leaves appear to be holding on for dear life. Letting go of what God wants us to let go of is hard, but necessary. The cares of this world can be overwhelming.

At the Last Supper, after witnessing the betrayal of Judas, Peter declared that he would go to his death for Jesus. “Simon, Simon, look out!” Jesus replied, “Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.” (Luke 22: 31 CSB) We can backslide in faith when being shaken. We can even deny Jesus. Though Peter was yet unaware of what he would do in fear for his life, the Lord assured him he would be praying for him. God’s allowing us to be shaken is for a greater purpose. Always for us, He knows that we are weak. (Romans 8:31, Psalm 103:14)

In these last days, the entire world is being shaken. This is clear to the followers of Jesus. Everything is topsy-turvy in the current, evil, system operating under the sway of the devil. Only God can realign the madness in the deception of an enemy who knows his time is running out. So is a realignment taking place in the church of Jesus Christ? God desires no man to perish. (2 Peter 3:9) And as there is righteous wrath from Heaven to be unleashed against evil and its willing participants, we, God’s people, need to be seen in possession of real faith and courage, having complete trust in supernatural protection. The time has come to be shaken. For what will remain is unshakable.

No one will have an excuse when they stand before God; because God’s invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature can be clearly seen through all He has made. (see Romans 1:18-22). “The heavens declare the glory of God… day after day they pour out speech… their message has gone out to the whole earth.” (Psalm 19:1-4 CSB)

Indeed, all of God’s creation being shook up is a warning sign. While Satan plans his great reset of a new world order of eternal control of those rejecting the Savior, we are called to proclaim the Good News. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,” (Hebrews 12:28 CSB)

The Lord’s instruction tells us, “He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3 CSB)

Click on the photo of the book to purchase from Amazon.