Families quite often have that “one child”. I know we did. We had four children, all unique individuals with their own personality, potential, and problems. But it was our second child who was that “one child”. He wasn’t a bad boy, he just required more discipline. He tormented his siblings, tried our patience, and twisted me around his little finger. As a sweet, older friend used to say, he was “full of beans!” Sometimes strong willed and frustrated, he was often filled with a restless energy. One evening the family was having dinner at the home of one of our parishioners. We were gathered around the table when all of sudden the table began to shake. I reacted quickly, “Greg, stop shaking the table!” He declared in all innocence, “But I’m not!” A minute later we realized it wasn’t him at all. It was an earthquake! We laugh now at the memory of me blaming Greg for an earthquake.

More recently the Buffalo area, where I live, experienced an earthquake. Early in the morning people were awakened by an explosive sound and by shaking beds and rattling cupboards. That’s what they tell me anyway. I slept right through it. I guess it takes more than an earthquake to wake me up. (On that same day on the other side of the world, Turkey experienced a massive, devastating earthquake that destroyed much and killed many. I do not mean to downplay or make light of that tragedy.)

I started thinking about earthquakes when I read the story of Paul and Silas in prison. The story is found in Acts 16:20-34. It’s an amazing account. Paul and Silas were thrown into prison and bound by shackles for preaching the Gospel. They kept their spirits up by focusing on the Lord. They prayed and sang and praised God! And the other prisoners listened to them. Then this happened:

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. -v. 26 (NKJV)

As I thought about this verse I realized that sometimes it takes an earthquake. I contrasted it to the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. In this chapter the great prophet of God was suffering from depression. In fact, Elijah was so melancholy he was hoping to die! So God reached out to him. As the account goes, there was a great and mighty wind, an earthquake and then a fire, but God wasn’t in any of those. Elijah discovered that God was in a still, small voice. We love this story. How nice to have the calming effect of a quiet, gentle whisper. We prefer God dealing with us in that way. However, sometimes it takes an earthquake!

People often associate earthquakes with God’s judgment and a sign of the end times. But that’s not always the case. Just look at Paul and Silas. God wasn’t judging them, he was setting them free!

And then there’s the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Matthew’s gospel, when Christ breathed his last breath on the cross, the sky darkened and the earth shook. Matthew calls it a great earthquake. Two important things happened during this earthquake. First and most importantly, the veil in the temple that separated the common man from the “Holy of Holies”, which was the representation of God’s presence, was torn in two from top to bottom! We, no matter who we are, now have access to God! Secondly, Matthew tells us that it was at this time the centurion, the soldier who stood at the foot of the cross, recognized who Jesus was. He cried out, “Surely this was the Son of God!” This particular earthquake proclaimed two great truths: Jesus was who he said he was and because of His death on the cross, we now can approach God without fear.

Another earthquake took place three days later. Jesus had been placed in a tomb that was sealed with a large rock and guarded by soldiers. But then, Matthew tells us there was another great earthquake. The earth shook, an angel descended and the stone sealing the grave rolled away. Christ arose and came out of the grave! He that was dead, now lived! What an amazing event took place during this earthquake! Sometimes God uses earthquakes to accomplish His will and to bless His creation.

I believe there are times when God sends us individual earthquakes. Not literal earthquakes, of course, but difficult circumstances that will shake us and wake us. And quite often we do get all shook up! We question God, we feel deserted and betrayed, we strive to keep our faith, and we wonder if God is judging us. But what we need to realize and remember that even in the darkest and scariest of earthquakes God can bring a blessing.

Are you experiencing an earthquake in your life? Are you in the middle of a desperate situation, an unexpected loss, a terrible tragedy? Have hope! God may be using your very own earthquake for a greater purpose. He may be calling you into His presence, revealing Himself to you in a greater way, seeking to give you a new and different life. Like Paul and Silas in prison, the earthquake you are experiencing just might bring a miracle!

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. –Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)