When Your Faith is Shaken

“Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens” (Haggai 2:6)

Ever had your faith shaken?  I have, and I know many of you have as well.  It is a terrifying feeling, but I believe sometimes it is necessary.  That shaking comes in many forms.  The Bible is filled with examples like Abraham when God told him to sacrifice his only son, David as he ran for his life from his enemies, or Daniel spending the night in a den full of hungry lions.  I often think of Peter, who declared his allegiance to his Lord, then denied Jesus just hours later.  In each instance, these men faced something they never expected, something that shook them to the core.  And that is the whole point.

Hebrews 12 says that God shakes up our lives “[to remove] what can be shaken – that is created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain” (v. 27).  When God allows our faith to be shaken He is removing those things we tend to trust in and rely on that are not rock-solid and stable.  Things like financial stability, people, heath, jobs – no doubt you can add your own.  These are things that will always let us down because they are “created things,” things the world offers that are flimsy and temporal.  God has better things for us.  Things that “cannot be shaken.”  Like genuine love, hope, peace, and eternal life – all built on the rock-solid and stable foundation of “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (v. 28).

If your faith is built on shaky ground, it will not stand when it really matters.  God wants to give you faith that endures, faith that secures and faith that cannot fail.  Is the ground shaking where you stand?  Consider Abraham, David, Daniel and Peter – they were shaken to their core, and became and mighty men of God and great saints of faith.  Beloved, be assured – God is shaking you up to build you up.