Throughout the Bible, God uses moments of disruption to challenge and reposition His people for greater purposes. This divine shaking, while often uncomfortable, serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and renewal. The concept of shaking can be likened to an earthquake, a natural event that, while destructive, also reveals hidden resources and brings about a necessary balance in the earth. In the spiritual realm, divine shaking functions in a similar way—it disrupts the familiar, unearths hidden strengths, and positions believers for a deeper experience with God. The purpose of divine shaking is not simply to cause discomfort but to lead believers toward spiritual maturity and renewal.
Shaking as a Path to Renewal
One of the primary themes in divine shaking is the idea of renewal. In Ezekiel 40, the prophet is taken by the hand of God and shown visions of the future restoration of Israel. At the time, Israel was in captivity, and the destruction of Jerusalem seemed to symbolize the end of their hope as a nation. Yet, in the midst of this devastation, God revealed a plan for renewal, showing Ezekiel a vision of a rebuilt Jerusalem. This imagery demonstrates that God never allows destruction without the intention to rebuild something greater.
In Isaiah 43:19, God declares, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." This verse captures the essence of divine renewal, emphasizing that even when circumstances seem dire, God is actively working to bring about new life and transformation. Similarly, when God shakes the life of a believer, it is to bring about a greater purpose—one of restoration and deeper intimacy with Him.
Divine shaking often requires the dismantling of old patterns and comfort zones. God makes yesterday uncomfortable in order to place believers into something new. This aligns with Hebrews 12:27, which says, “The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.” God’s shaking removes the temporary things we rely on, allowing what is eternal and lasting to emerge. In this way, shaking becomes the prerequisite for spiritual renewal, as it clears the way for God to rebuild a stronger, more mature faith in the lives of His people.
Shaking Reveals Hidden Strengths and Resources
Another important purpose of divine shaking is the revelation of hidden strengths and spiritual resources. Just as an earthquake can bring valuable minerals and fossil fuels to the surface, so does spiritual shaking expose the latent potential within believers that may have been buried under the weight of routine and complacency.
In the Bible, we see how God often shakes people’s lives to bring out their hidden potential. Judges 6:12 recounts when the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” At the time, Gideon saw himself as the least of his family, hiding from the Midianites. Yet, through the divine shaking of his circumstances, God revealed Gideon’s true strength and potential as a leader and warrior for Israel. This process of revelation—through shaking—brought Gideon to realize the capabilities and leadership qualities God had placed within him.
In addition to personal strengths, divine shaking often reveals spiritual resources that can benefit not only the individual but also the larger body of Christ. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Through trials and disruptions—through shaking—believers discover a deeper reservoir of endurance and strength that contributes to their spiritual growth and maturity. What may have remained hidden through comfort and ease is brought to light when God shakes us, allowing us to grow in faith and character.
Shaking as a Call to Leadership
A final purpose of divine shaking is to position believers for leadership and influence. Throughout Scripture, God often shook the lives of His people to prepare them for greater roles in His kingdom. The sermon highlights the example of Ezekiel, who was not only shaken by the destruction of Jerusalem but was also shown visions of its restoration. This vision positioned Ezekiel as a prophetic leader, tasked with communicating God’s plan of renewal to the people of Israel.
Similarly, when God shakes the life of a believer, it is often to elevate them to a position of greater influence and responsibility. The discomfort and challenges that come with divine shaking are not meant to destroy but to refine and prepare. Isaiah 48:10 says, "See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." Here, God explains that the shaking and refining process is for the purpose of preparation—turning individuals into vessels ready for His divine plans.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is another example of a leader whose life was shaken by God for a greater purpose. Before his conversion, Paul (then known as Saul) was a zealous persecutor of Christians. But when God shook his life on the road to Damascus, blinding him and calling him to a new mission, Paul was transformed into one of the most influential leaders in the early church. Acts 9:3-6 describes how "a light from heaven flashed around him" and how the Lord spoke to Saul, redirecting his life toward a divine mission. This shaking not only revealed Paul's potential but also positioned him to lead others into the truth of the gospel.
Shaking and Revival: A Collective Impact
While divine shaking often begins on a personal level, its effects are not limited to individuals. Shaking can also have a profound collective impact, particularly within the church. When God shakes individuals, He is often preparing the entire body of Christ for a season of revival and transformation. As Joel 2:28 prophesies, "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." This verse highlights how God's Spirit moves corporately among His people, initiating a collective shaking that leads to revival.
In times of revival, the church experiences a collective shaking that disrupts old patterns of worship, ministry, and community life. This shaking paves the way for new expressions of faith, worship, and mission. As seen in the early church in Acts 2:2-4, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a divine shaking that transformed the disciples from a fearful, uncertain group into a bold, empowered community that spread the gospel across the known world. Similarly, divine shaking in the modern church can lead to a renewed focus on God’s mission, a deeper unity among believers, and a fresh outpouring of spiritual gifts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, divine shaking is a powerful process through which God challenges, refines, and positions His people for greater purpose. While the shaking may bring discomfort and disrupt familiar patterns, its ultimate goal is renewal and spiritual growth. Through shaking, hidden strengths are revealed, dormant resources are brought to the surface, and believers are prepared for greater leadership and influence in God’s kingdom. As Hebrews 12:26-27 teaches, "At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain." This underscores the necessity of shaking to remove what is temporary, making way for what is eternal.
Rather than fearing the shaking, believers are called to embrace it as part of God’s refining process. By doing so, they can trust that God’s purpose is not to tear down without rebuilding, but to create something stronger, more resilient, and more aligned with His will. Ultimately, divine shaking leads to personal and collective revival, as God prepares His people to carry out His plans on earth and to reflect His glory to the world.
Comments