Preparing for the Shaking
God promised He would shake the heavens and the earth—not to destroy His people, but to wake them up. This post takes a deep look at what the Bible says about the shaking, what will remain, and how believers should respond.
“For this is what the Lord of armies says: ‘Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and they will come with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord of armies.” (Haggai 2:6–7)
God made a promise. Not just to Israel—but to the world. He said He would shake the heavens and the earth. Not just once. Once more. The first time was Mount Sinai. The mountain trembled when His voice thundered. But there’s another shaking coming. Not just the earth, but heaven too.
“And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.’ This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:26–28)
God is not shaking things to destroy us. He’s shaking them to expose what’s weak and fake. Everything that can be shaken—everything that’s man-made, temporary, or built on pride—will fall. What’s left standing will be what was always real. That’s the point. He’s making a distinction. The shaking separates.
“I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. And I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the horses and their riders will go down, every one by the sword of another.” (Haggai 2:21–22)
It’s not just about earthquakes or wars or economies. It’s about truth. It’s about cleaning house. God says He’ll overthrow thrones and destroy kingdoms. This is not random. He’s pulling down what’s been propped up too long. Thrones. Systems. False security. When He shakes, the powers of this world tremble.
But while the world is falling apart, God’s people have a refuge. “The Lord roars from Zion and utters His voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge for His people, and a stronghold for the sons of Israel.” (Joel 3:16)
He shakes the world, but He shields His own. “God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” (Psalm 46:1–3)
That’s the difference. The world shakes and runs. Believers shake and stand. Not because we’re stronger—but because we’re standing on something that cannot be moved. Christ is the foundation. Everything else will fall. But those who belong to Him will remain.
The shaking exposes what’s fake and tests what’s real. It’s not punishment for His people—it’s preparation. God isn’t trying to destroy us—He’s trying to wake us up and get us ready.
And this part matters. Paul said the lawless one—the man of sin—won’t be revealed until after a great falling away. Right now, something is still holding him back. But when that restraint is lifted, he’ll step onto the scene. (2 Thessalonians 2:3–8)
Could it be that this shaking is part of that process? A spiritual clearing? A time of separating the true from the false? If so, then what we’re watching right now isn’t just political or global. It’s prophetic. The ground is being prepared.
Isaiah wrote, “People will go into caves of the rocks and into holes in the ground away from the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty, when He arises to make the earth tremble.” (Isaiah 2:19)
That’s the fear the world will feel. But we don’t have to hide. We run to Him—not from Him. He is the safe place.
So if it feels like everything’s being shaken—your life, your faith, your plans—it might not be the enemy. It might be God. And if it is, then trust Him. He’s not trying to tear you down. He’s trying to build you up. Let the shaking do its work. Let it strip away what was never meant to last. Because when the dust settles, what’s left will be real. And it will be His.
“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
