Earthquakes are among the most powerful natural events on the earth, and their results can be deadly. It has been said that, “a severe earthquake may release energy ten thousand times as great as the first atomic bomb.” (1) An earthquake is the sudden breaking and shifting of large sections of the earth’s outer shell that usually occur along an underground fault or fracture in the earth. Faults occur in weak areas of subterranean rock. The point where the rock first breaks is called the focus. The focus of most earthquakes lies less than 45 miles beneath the surface. The deepest known focuses have been discovered nearly 450 miles below the surface. Experts tell us that thousands of earthquakes occur every day, although most of these aren’t strong enough to be felt. (2)
Iceland Earthquake
The Bible mentions some earthquakes that occurred in conjunction with events that changed the history of the world. In Matthew 28:2, “there was a violent earthquake” when an angel descended from heaven and rolled back the stone that covered the tomb where Jesus was buried. In Revelations 6:12, an earthquake occurs as the sixth seal is opened, an event that will precipitate God’s final judgment. An earthquake took place in 1 Kings 19:11, when the Lord was about to appear to Elijah. Earthquakes are a sign of the End Times according to Mark 13:8. And in Acts 16:26, an earthquake shook the prison’s foundation so that, when the doors flew open, Paul and Silas were freed.
The fear that occurs when solid earth shakes under a person’s feet it’s devastating. Though not everyone has experienced the trauma of an earthquake, many people have been shaken to their very foundations through the death of a loved one, or perhaps a serious illness in their lives or in the lives of someone near to them. Perhaps it’s a divorce or a victim of a violent crime—any of these events can wreak havoc in a person’s life and shake the foundation of that life forever.
Earthquakes on earth and in one's life can shake the foundation
The tragedy of September 11 is another example of an earth-shattering event that has taken place. Watching those buildings collapse was like watching a horror movie. Reports stated that ninety five percent of all Americans surveyed prayed in those first twenty-four to forty-eight hours. When the unthinkable happened, Americans had no better choice than to look to the supernatural God of the Scriptures for help.
When the foundation of one’s life is shaken by disaster, there is only one place to run. The Bible says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). The Lord reminds His people that when the foundation of one’s life is shaken, they should call on Him and learn from him, because he will give them rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Paul faced suffering and trials that most of us will never have to experience (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). In spite of his suffering, he knew that one day it would all be over and he would see God’s face. No matter what happens in this life, God’s people have the assurance of eternal life, where all suffering will end (see Isaiah 35:10). Even though Paul was going through extreme hardships and suffering, he still had hope ( 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). Paul felt that he might die and realized that there was nothing he could do but depend on God. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; 8–10). Even in death, God is a refuge (Proverbs 14:32).
Just as architects are now designing earthquake resistant structures with reinforced foundations, God designed his Word to give people a strong foundation, so that when disaster strikes, they can stand firm (see Matthew 7:24–27). In the face of destruction, God is the protection, and he will provide strength in any circumstance.
In Job 1:13–20; 2:4–7, God had a specific reason for allowing Job to suffer the way he did. Though he lost his possessions and his family and suffered unimaginable physical pain, Job never quit trusting God. Job’s unwavering trust debunked Satan’s theory that he only worshiped God because God was good to him (Job 1:9–10). The Lord permitted Satan to attack Job in such a harsh manner in order to teach us all how to trust God and keep the faith during the setbacks, tragedies, calamities, and sorrows of life (Job 1:8–12). Job was overwhelmed by disaster (Job 3:25–26; 6:2–4). He was in turmoil and became depressed. Though he never quit trusting God, even he struggled to understand why God allowed these events to happen to him and his family. These verses show us that Job was human just like everyone. He had his own frailties and emotional struggles just as people do today. God isn’t angered when a person questions him about suffering. He wants to hear from his people and understands their deep-seated concerns. He is there to encourage them and grant them peace. Job eventually grew to learn that God is the God of peace; and he came to know the Lord better than he knew him before his trials. Before the calamities, Job had heard of God; but afterward, he stated that his eyes had seen the Lord. God gave Job twice as much as he had before his troubles and blessed the latter part of his life even more than the first (Job 42:5, 10–17).
It’s a hard, cold reality that many people will deal with disaster sometime during their lives. Some have already endured this and may have to do so again. When a person’s foundation has been shaken and their world seems like it’s falling apart, the only thing they can do is drop to their knees and cry out to the wonderful counselor and mighty God (Isaiah 9:6), the father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts his people in all their troubles. The Bible says, “Because of his great love we are not consumed for his compassion never fails” (Lamentations 3:22). When it seems as though all hope is gone, there is nothing left to do except hold on to God’s unchanging hand. A person may feel like they’re at the end of their rope, but there should never be an end to their hope.
“God is our refuge and strength and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1–3)
References:
1. Karen C. McNally, “Earthquake,” World Book Online Reference Center, 24 February 2004.
<http://www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/wb/Article?id=ar171680>.
2. Ibid.
For more lessons from Joanne on The Forces of Nature:
No Rain, No Gain
Stormy Weather:
In the Eye of a Hurricane
Rainbows
The Forces of Nature
The Earth Speaks:
To learn more about or purchase Joanne's book "A Down to Earth Bible Study" AMG Publishers:
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