“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” (Malachi 3:2-3, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The narrative of the faithful remnant enduring a profound shaking stands as a compelling illustration of divine refinement, transforming trials into triumphs of faith and unity within the community. Drawing from scriptural depictions, this process sifts indifference, fortifies against spiritual adversities, and fosters harmony, revealing God’s purifying love that strengthens personal and collective commitment for the ultimate victory ahead.

THE MIGHTY SHAKING: A STORY OF FAITH AND TRIUMPH

One story of faith that resonates powerfully is the narrative of the faithful remnant and their experience of a mighty shaking. This shaking, as described in the scriptures and illuminated by writings, is not a tale of despair, but a testament to the refining power of God’s love. It’s a story for all of us, regardless of our background. Christ refines His people through fire to purify them like gold, preparing them for eternal glory. Scripture reveals this through “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10, KJV), emphasizing how God chooses affliction to shape character. In addition, “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts” (Proverbs 17:3, KJV) shows divine testing as a means to reveal true devotion. A prophetic voice once wrote, “The trials of life are God’s workmen to remove the impurities, infirmities, and roughness from our characters, and fit them for the society of pure, heavenly angels in glory” (My Life Today, p. 92, 1952). Through inspired counsel we are told, “God permits trials to come upon us in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 175, 1900). It speaks to the universal human experience of facing trials and emerging stronger, more committed to our beliefs. This is our story, a shared journey of faith. But how does deep agony transform into radiant ecstasy?

HOW DOES AGONY TRANSFORM INTO ECSTASY?

The remnant’s journey begins in deep agony. “List ye!” the angel commanded (Early Writings, 270). Imagine the scene: weeping, praying, internal struggles so intense they shake the very core of their being. This resonates with the trials we face, those moments when our faith is tested like metal in a fiery furnace. God allows such testing to produce endurance and maturity in character. Revealing His purpose, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4, KJV) highlights joy in trials leading to completeness. Scripture further affirms, “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), promising reward for perseverance. Ellen G. White wrote, “The very trials that test our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are designed to lead us more closely to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 115, 1875). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 129, 1890). But, as Sr. White describes, this agony gives way to something extraordinary. They are “clothed in spiritual armor, standing like soldiers who had won a great battle” (Early Writings, 270-271). Their faces, once etched with anguish, now radiate “the light and glory of heaven” (Early Writings, 271). This transformation, from despair to radiant joy, speaks to the power of perseverance. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope remains. Yet what separates the steadfast from those shaken out?

WHAT SEPARATES THE STEADFAST FROM THE SHAKEN?

The shaking is not just a personal trial; it’s a communal one. “Some of the group were ‘shaken out and left by the way’ because they had not joined the others in pleading earnestly for victory and salvation” (Early Writings, 271). This is a stark reminder of the importance of wholehearted commitment. God calls for earnest pursuit to withstand sifting. Christ teaches persistence through “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7, KJV), urging active seeking for salvation. Moreover, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24, KJV) stresses the need for diligent effort. A passage from The Great Controversy reminds us, “The time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, is right upon us; and we are like the sleeping virgins” (The Great Controversy, p. 621, 1911). The inspired pen notes, “There is to be a shaking among God’s people; but this is not the present truth to carry to the churches” (Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 180, 1958). It’s not enough to merely profess faith; we must live it, breathe it, and fight for it. The careless and indifferent, those who are lukewarm in their devotion, cannot withstand the intensity of the shaking. This purging, though painful, is necessary. It cleanses the remnant, leaving behind only those who are truly dedicated, those whose faith is unshakeable. It’s like a refiner’s fire, burning away the dross to reveal the pure gold of true belief. So how do evil forces factor into this battle?

HOW DO EVIL FORCES ASSAIL THE FAITHFUL?

Even as the shaking occurs, evil angels press around, seeking to discourage and devour. But the faithful remnant, clothed in their spiritual armor (a concept echoed in Ephesians 6:11-17), stands firm. They are protected, empowered by their faith. God equips the community to resist spiritual attacks. Scripture declares, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, KJV), showing submission leads to victory over evil. Additionally, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV) warns of constant threats requiring alertness. Through inspired counsel we learn, “The battle which we have to fight—the greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of love” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 141, 1896). In Spiritual Gifts we read, “God knows how Satan is working, and sends his angels to watch over his children, to protect them from the Devil’s power. And the battle is constantly going on between the angels of God, and the Devil’s angels” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, p. 277, 1860). This reminds me of the battles we face daily. We too are surrounded by spiritual forces that seek to distract us from our path. But, like the remnant, we can find strength in God, in prayer, and in the unity of the community. We are not alone in this fight. Then how does reformation foster true unity?

HOW DOES REFORMATION FOSTER TRUE UNITY?

The shaking is not the end; it’s a prelude to reformation. The spirit of prayer and unity draws the community together, healing the divisions and strife that once plagued them. This is the picture of the church as it should be: a community of love, support, and shared purpose. Christ prays for harmony to reflect divine oneness. Revealing unity’s power, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21, KJV) demonstrates oneness witnesses to the world. Furthermore, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV) celebrates the blessing of communal harmony. A prophetic voice once wrote, “Strive earnestly for unity. Pray for it, work for it. It will bring spiritual health, elevation of thought, nobility of character, heavenly-mindedness” (Counsels for the Church, p. 296, 1991). In Our High Calling we read, “Unity in diversity is God’s plan. Among the followers of Christ there is to be the blending of diverse elements, one adapted to the ideas of another, and each subordinating his own ideas to the ideas of others when required” (Our High Calling, p. 169, 1961). It’s a vision that inspires me to work for unity within my own faith community, to bridge the gaps that divide us and to focus on the common ground of our shared beliefs. We must strive for a church where discord is replaced by harmony, where love triumphs over division. But is this shaking truly an act of divine love?

IS SHAKING AN ACT OF DIVINE LOVE?

The shaking, though seemingly harsh, is an act of love. God’s refining process, even when painful, is ultimately an expression of His deep love for us. As Zechariah 13:9 states, “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.” This verse illustrates that God’s trials are not meant to destroy us, but to purify us, to make us more like Him. Sr. White adds, “The Lord often places His people in trying circumstances to prove their faith and develop their spiritual strength” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 86). These trials, though difficult, are designed to strengthen our faith and prepare us for greater service. God measures each affliction to produce growth without overwhelming. Christ assures, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, KJV), turning suffering into benefit for the devoted. Moreover, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6, KJV) confirms discipline as proof of sonship. Ellen G. White wrote, “Our heavenly Father measures and weighs every trial before He permits it to come upon the believer. He considers the circumstances and the strength of the one who is to stand under the proving and test of God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 85, 1876). A passage from Steps to Christ reminds us, “The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange” (Steps to Christ, p. 125, 1892). Just as a goldsmith refines precious metal through fire, God refines us through trials, removing our impurities and revealing our true potential. This refining process is a testament to His unwavering love and commitment to our growth. Now how do we apply this personally and communally?

HOW DO WE APPLY SHAKING PERSONALLY?

I’ve experienced my own “shakings” in life, moments when my faith was tested, and I felt like I was being sifted and winnowed. These experiences, though painful, ultimately strengthened my relationship with God. They taught me the importance of prayer, of clinging to His promises, and of finding support in my faith community. God uses personal trials to build resilience and deeper trust. Scripture encourages, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV), promising renewal through waiting. Additionally, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13, KJV) affirms divine empowerment in weakness. Through inspired counsel we are told, “In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward” (Testimony Treasures, vol. 2, p. 349, 1949). In The Desire of Ages we read, “Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success” (The Desire of Ages, p. 527, 1898). As a community, we must be a source of strength for one another, especially during times of shaking. We must offer a helping hand to those who are struggling, reminding them of God’s love and the promise of eventual triumph. This concept of the shaking reminds me of the challenges faced by churches today, where differing opinions and worldliness create division. We must remember that our unity in Christ should transcend these differences. We must focus on the core principles of our faith and work together to spread the message of hope and salvation. Finally, what ultimate promise does this journey hold?

WHAT ULTIMATE PROMISE HOLDS FOR US?

This journey of the remnant is our journey. It’s a call to perseverance, a reminder of God’s unwavering love, and a promise of ultimate victory. God rewards steadfast faith with eternal triumph. Christ declares, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21, KJV), offering shared glory to overcomers. Furthermore, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9, KJV) urges persistence for harvest. A prophetic voice once wrote, “Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience” (Steps to Christ, p. 97, 1892). In Christian Service we read, “Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable” (Christian Service, p. 228, 1925). It’s a story that resonates across cultures and faiths, a testament to the enduring power of belief.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of this shaking in daily devotions, letting it mold my character and focus?

How might we present this refining process accessibly to varied groups, upholding doctrinal integrity while engaging newcomers?

What misunderstandings about trials as divine love exist locally, and how can Scripture and Sr. White’s insights clarify them gently?

How can we as individuals and congregations embody this perseverance, shining as examples of hope amid end-time challenges?