Quaking with Fear

The past few days in Oswald Chambers devotionals, have “shaken” the foundation of my thoughts on areas of ministry. Praise the Lord there is less rubble at my feet today than after divine shakes in the past. A timely assessment of the Spirit’s work within encourages me. Though under continual construction, a hearty shake now and then reveals that which is built by the Supreme Carpenter, and that which was built with my own hands. A necessary reminder that while I learn more of the Master’s craft day by day, I am still under- skilled. Kicking the dust off my feet, I give thanks to the Lord for yet, another humbling back to the drawing board moment.

Chamber’s concept is that when our faith is shaken by the realities of life “We will be scattered, not into service but into the emptiness of our lives where we will see ruin and barrenness, to know what internal death to God’s blessings means.”

In other words, dust and debris in our lives remind us of what is temporal and what is eternal. When we labor outside the will of God to fashion a life or treasure trove for ourselves, the Lord--in His great goodness and kindness--sends forth trouble: mighty winds, turbulent waters and destructive quakes intended to open the spiritual eyes of his children. No effort is spared to enlighten us of the “emptiness” in everything outside of God.

When Christ died on the cross of Calvary, "The earth shook and the rock split..."(Matthew 27:51NIV). This was not a random act of nature, but part of the divine plan of God. As Chamber's points out; Jesus' death was the driving purpose of His life. All of time is marked by His sacrificial death. Almighty God shook the earth, perhaps so every man--scattered to and fro--would know a mighty shift had taken place between God and humanity. Though fear and anger ordered their steps, today, Christians need not scatter in the midst of adversity or trial. For the God who claims us as His own, is unshakable. His grasp on us is secure. Therefore, let us rest in the hands of God as the world sways back and forth.

Father grant us wisdom to remain in your will and abide in your work of the Spirit. Bless us with faith which can withstand the severest quake. Reveal to us that which is rubble and lead us to what is holy. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.