The Lord Manifests His Presence In Earthquakes

…Continuing on the subject of the places where God manifests Himself

God is found in the Earthquake — To Reveal His Power

Natural earthquakes can cause massive destruction and loss

God's earthquakes and shakings can lead to His manifest presence and a strengthening of our faith.

  

My home country of New Zealand has had some devastating earthquakes in the past few years. Two friends of mine were killed in a powerful earthquake in Feb. 2011. Since then, the government has passed laws requiring buildings to be strengthened and reinforced so that they will be able to withstand further shaking.

God is shaking everything that can be shaken in these days. The earthquake causes us to be taken to extremes. It is the end of self and the beginning of God's power and provision. The earthquake signifies great alterations and changes—everything is shaken to the core and foundation.

I believe that the Lord is calling us to strengthen our foundations and prepare for the difficult days ahead. Only those with firm and sound foundations of faith will be able to stand.

Many Christians cite earthquakes as a sign of God’s displeasure or judgment, but you will see below that the primary reason for earthquakes is because the Lord’s presence is near.

Seven reason for earthquakes in the Bible. We see them:

• Precede, accompany or follow God's voice Ex. 19:18; Ps. 29:8; Joel 3:16; Amos 1:1; Rev. 11:13-19

Ex. 19:18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

• In the midst of God's presence or a miraculous visitation of God's presence

Ps. 114:7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob (Ex. 19:18; Ps. 68:8; Ps. 77:18; Ps. 99:1; Is. 29:6; Nahum 1:5; Acts 4:31; Acts 16:26)

• At the death and resurrection of Jesus Matt. 27:51-54; Matt. 28:2;

• Preceding the latter glory of God in the earth Hag. 2:6 6

"For thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land;

and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the Lord of hosts.

• At the return of Jesus Zech. 14:4-5

• In judgment—mostly in the end times 2Sam. 22:8; Ps. 18:7; Is. 2:19; Is. 13:13; Jer. 10:1; Ezek. 38:19 -20; 

• As a sign of the end times Is. 2:21; Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11; Heb. 12:26 -27; Rev. 8:5; Rev. 11:13; Rev. 16:18

When a shaking comes in the earth or in your personal life – look for God. He is so often found in the shaking! No matter how uncomfortable life may be, set your eyes on the Lord. If your foundations are sound, you will stand in the trial.

GOD IS WITH US IN THE EARTHQUAKE:

Acts 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

I just want to conclude with this verse: Is. 64:1 Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence—

I am praying for revival – that the Lord would come among us with His manifest presence – I am looking for the revival earthquake!