“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God” (Zechariah 13:9, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound concept of the shaking, portraying it as a divine sifting process that tests and purifies faith through trials, heresies, and historical parallels, ultimately revealing God’s loving intent to refine the community for eternal readiness, drawing on scriptural imagery and inspired insights to encourage steadfastness amid spiritual turbulence.

THE SHAKING: GOD’S REFINING FIRE IN A DIVIDED WORLD

Have you ever felt the heat of life’s trials pressing in, as if you were being tested to your very core? Malachi 3:2-3 paints a vivid picture of this process: “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” This blog explores the concept of “the shaking,” a divine process of separation and purification that resonates across faiths. It’s a call to introspection, a challenge to align our lives with God’s truth, and a reminder that even in the heat of refining, His love remains steadfast. God initiates this shaking to separate the faithful from those who falter, as seen in moments where truth confronts the heart and demands a response. Ellen G. White describes how this confrontation stirs the soul deeply, writing, “I was shown the people of God, and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, were pleading with God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 179, 1868). This revelation highlights the intensity of the experience, where internal struggles manifest outwardly, urging a deeper commitment. Through inspired counsel we are told, “The careless and indifferent who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 182, 1868). Scripture further supports this idea with, “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried” (Psalm 66:10, KJV), and “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts” (Proverbs 17:3, KJV). The shaking serves as a merciful opportunity for growth and alignment with divine will. Why do trials emerge as essential in this refining journey?

WHY DO TRIALS TEST US TRUE?

The shaking is not a gentle breeze but a tempest that tests the foundations of our faith. Ellen G. White writes, “Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 392, 1898). This process mirrors the biblical imagery of sifting wheat from chaff (Amos 9:9, Matthew 3:12). Just as a farmer separates grain from husks, God’s truth divides those who embrace it from those who resist. I’ve felt this shaking in my own life—moments when God’s Word exposed areas where I fell short. It’s uncomfortable, even painful, but necessary. The inspired pen reveals further, “The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth, and to sacrifice for God and His cause” (Early Writings, p. 50, 1882). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “God brings His people near Him by close, testing trials, by showing them their own weakness and inability for good, and by teaching them to lean upon Him as their only help and safeguard” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 129, 1890). The Bible also confirms this through, “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10, KJV), and “Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?” (Jeremiah 9:7, KJV). For us as a community, the shaking calls us to unity in truth, even as it reveals who truly stands on the side of righteousness. Can heresies sharpen our discernment in this storm?

CAN HERESIES HONE OUR BELIEFS?

Why does God allow trials and adversity? Sr. White explains, “Every selfish, covetous person will fall out by the way. Like Judas, who sold his Lord, they will sell good principles… for a little of earth’s gain” (Early Writings, p. 269, 1882). Prosperity can breed complacency, but trials reveal our true character. Think of Job, who lost everything yet declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). Today, we see this shaking in the rise of materialism and compromise. Some prioritize worldly success over spiritual integrity, while others, like Job, cling to God despite the storm. A prophetic voice once wrote, “I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect” (Early Writings, p. 271, 1882). A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 186, 1868). Scripture further supports this idea with, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10, KJV), and “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6, KJV). For me, this is a call to examine my own priorities. Are we, as a community, willing to endure hardship for the sake of truth? What lessons from history illuminate this path?

LESSONS FROM PAST FAITH SHAKES?

Sometimes, the shaking comes through heresies—false teachings that challenge the church’s faithfulness. Sr. White warns, “God will arouse His people; if other means fail, heresies will come in among them, which will sift them, separating the chaff from the wheat” (Gospel Workers, p. 299, 1915). These heresies force us to dig deeper into Scripture, to pray fervently, and to discern truth from error. In my own walk, I’ve faced moments of doubt when false teachings seemed appealing. But like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word. Through inspired counsel we are told, “They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, p. 184, 1858). In Last Day Events we read, “We are in the shaking time, the time when everything that can be shaken will be shaken. The Lord will not excuse those who know the truth if they do not in word and deed obey His commands” (Last Day Events, p. 173, 1992). The Bible also confirms this through, “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land” (Haggai 2:6, KJV), and “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2, KJV). For the church, this is a call to vigilance. Are we grounded in truth, or are we swayed by every wind of doctrine? How does divine love weave through this process?

HOW DOES LOVE FUEL THE FIRE?

The shaking is not a new phenomenon. During Christ’s ministry, the Jewish church experienced a profound separation. The Sanhedrin, entrusted with spiritual leadership, rejected the Messiah, and Jesus turned to His disciples to spread the gospel (The Desire of Ages, p. 232, 1898). This historical event mirrors the shaking we see today. Many are forced to leave beloved churches to follow truth, just as the early Christians did. It’s a painful but necessary process. Ellen G. White wrote, “The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out, and left by the way” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 182, 1868). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The broken ranks will be filled up by those raised by God to stand in the places of those who once occupied them, but who have become high in their own imaginations, and have lost their love for the pure, elevating truth, and have become lukewarm, and are shaken out” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 182, 1868). Scripture further supports this idea with, “I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered” (Amos 9:1, KJV), and “The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet” (Nahum 1:3, KJV). For me, this highlights the importance of humility and openness to God’s leading. As a community, we must ask: Are we willing to follow truth, even if it means leaving behind what’s familiar? Does pain reveal a deeper purpose?

DOES PAIN PROVE DIVINE LOVE?

How do the concepts of shaking and separation reflect God’s love? At first glance, the process seems harsh, but it’s rooted in His desire for our purification. Malachi 3:3 assures us that God refines us “that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Sr. White adds, “Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 471, 1905). The shaking, though painful, is an act of love—a divine intervention to prepare us for eternity. Through inspired counsel we are told, “God has shown me that if the truth is revealed in its purity and simplicity, the minds of the people will be aroused, and if they do not accept the truth, they will reject it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 80, 1882). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “By the furnace of affliction He purifies them from all dross. He sends them trials to test the genuineness of their faith, and to develop patience, hope, and trust in Him” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 129, 1890). The Bible also confirms this through, “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6, KJV), and “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12, KJV). For me, this is a comforting reminder that God’s refining fire is not meant to destroy but to restore. As a community, we can trust that His love will see us through the shaking, purifying us for His glory. How can we stand resolute amid the flames?

HOW TO STAND IN THE FIRE?

The shaking is a call to faithfulness, a divine process that separates the wheat from the chaff. It’s a journey marked by trials, heresies, and historical reflections, but also by the assurance of God’s love. As we face the shaking in our personal lives and in the church, let us stand firm, rooted in Scripture and committed to truth. Sr. White emphasizes, “I saw some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their faces were pale and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle” (Early Writings, p. 269, 1882). A passage from Last Day Events reminds us, “The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect” (Last Day Events, p. 156, 1992). Scripture further supports this idea with, “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:26-27, KJV), and “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28, KJV). For in the end, the refiner’s fire will leave us purified, ready to offer an offering in righteousness. Will you stand in the shaking? Will we, as a community, endure the heat for the sake of His truth? The choice is ours, but the promise is His: “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” And in His hands, we are safe.

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my grasp of this shaking process in daily devotions, letting it refine my daily choices and spiritual growth?

In what ways can we present the shaking’s urgency to varied groups, keeping it faithful to Scripture while making it relatable to everyday struggles?

What misunderstandings about trials as divine tools persist around me, and how might I clarify them biblically without confrontation?

How might we as individuals and groups embody resilience in faith, turning the shaking into a testimony of God’s purifying love in our communities?