Every shaking season carries two possibilities: collapse or calling. To the world, disruption feels like disaster. To those with Kingdom eyes, it's God clearing away what cannot stand to reveal what cannot be shaken. Setbacks aren't the end—they are divine invitations into the greater, the unseen, and the unshakable. Jesus warned that wars, pestilence, division, and betrayal would mark the times. He didn't say these things to stir fear—He said, "Do not be concerned." Why? Because every shaking is both exposure and opportunity.
Everyone wants to know what The Lord is saying. Believers search the internet for prophetic words, messages, sermons, and videos for a word from God. We read about encounters and supernatural experiences that others had with the Holy Spirit and wonder why we don't have the same. Those people who are truly hearing from God paid a high price for what they have. They cultivated the anointing by spending time with Jesus in the secret place. They died to the things of this world and immersed themselves in His Presence.
Have you ever felt like God didn't hear you when you prayed or as if he's forgotten you and won't answer you? Maybe you've felt like when you pray, it wasn't God's will to answer your prayers. Well, I want to encourage you to hold on and keep believing because God will remember His covenant regarding you. God's timing is not always aligned with our own, but His promises are unchanging.
The way the Bible is written makes some Scriptures difficult to understand without studying other Scriptures. This is especially true in the Old Testament. Some Scriptures don't always give a clear meaning on the surface but require some digging into to discover the intent of what is stated. Paul admonished Timothy, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
When they are authentic, complements are a beautiful thing. However, if the words have no worth attached, they are much like water running off a duck's back. I am honored when someone tells me that I've done a good job, when they celebrate my accomplishments, or when they show a desire to involve me in their endeavors. All these things are special.
In Romans 8, Paul declares the beautiful inheritance of salvation–the spirit of sonship. It is our seal of adoption. It anchors us in our true identity as sons and daughters of the living God. Operating out of the spirit of sonship as an heir with Jesus Messiah frees you to embrace your true Kingdom identity. You're empowered to walk according to the path and purpose God has planned for you.
I recently heard a rabbi sharing a message from the book of Exodus. During his sermon, he pointed out the many times that water was a major focal point of the events that the children of Israel experienced. He started with the parting of the waters of the Red Sea. He went on to talk about the water coming from the rock in the wilderness. Then he shared about the bitter waters we read about in Exodus 15.
I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23 ESV How did I get here? At what point did I determine I knew better than God how to run my life? They say that stress is a silent killer. But it is also a loud bullhorn that should be heeded. We think we're just being responsible. Perhaps multi-tasking better than anyone else. Or we're simply over achievers who are determined to do everything on our weekly list in a single day.
How powerful is the word that Jesus spoke concerning the Father? He said the Father is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. This He spoke to the woman at Jacob's well as He revealed His glory to her. The Father seeks such worshippers. Of all the things that God could be seeking out, He is looking for true worshippers.
We live in a world where disagreement feels like a declaration of war. Where differing opinions can cost friendships, split churches, and divide families. It seems like we've forgotten how to disagree without disrespect; how to stand firm in truth without standing against people. But grace invites us to something better. Grace says, "You don't have to think like me for me to love you." It reminds us that relationship is not built on sameness. It's built on sacred worth. Every person we encounter is made in the image of God, even those whose opinions we find frustrating, offensive, or just plain wrong.
