“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pains together until now.” (Romans 8:22)
For more than 15 years, I have written and spoken about what I believed was an increasing convergence of biblical realities unfolding before our eyes. At the time, many viewed these observations as simply another perspective on current events. Today, however, the acceleration has become difficult to ignore.
Around the world we are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of disasters and instability. Historic floods devastate communities. Tornadoes carve paths of destruction through towns that never expected them. Hurricanes increase in intensity. Wildfires consume entire regions. Earthquakes shake nations. Typhoons, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather patterns continue to impact millions.
At the same time, governments are unstable. Economies fluctuate. Wars and rumors of wars increase. Civil unrest grows. Institutions once considered immovable are experiencing unprecedented crises of confidence.
Jesus told us these things would occur. Paul described creation groaning. The writer of Hebrews declared that everything that can be shaken will be shaken. The Psalmist spoke of nations raging against God.
These are not disconnected headlines. They are converging realities that remind us of our need for God.
Three Biblical Realities Converging
1. All That Can Be Shaken Is Being Shaken
Hebrews 12:26-28 declares:
“Yet once more I shake not only the earth but also heaven… so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”
Notice the purpose. God is not simply interested in shaking things. He is revealing what is eternal.
Throughout history, people have trusted in governments, economies, military strength, technology, education, wealth, personalities, and even religious institutions. While each has its place, none can replace our dependence upon God.
Everything built merely by human hands is temporary.
Everything built upon Christ will remain.
The shaking exposes false foundations while inviting us back to the Rock that cannot be moved.
2. The Whole Creation Is Groaning
Romans 8:22 reminds us:
“The whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.”
Creation itself reflects the consequences of humanity’s fall.
The earth is not merely experiencing isolated disasters. Scripture pictures creation longing for redemption. Like birth pains, these groanings remind us that history is moving toward God’s ultimate restoration.
Birth pains increase in both frequency and intensity. Likewise, many observe an acceleration of natural disasters around the world
Our response should never be fear or speculation.
Our response should be compassion.
Every disaster represents people.
Families.
Children.
Communities.
First responders.
Churches.
Neighbors.
As we have experienced through Somebody Cares and our partners around the world, every tragedy becomes an opportunity to demonstrate the compassion of Christ in practical ways. Food, water, shelter, rebuilding, emotional care, spiritual encouragement, and long-term relationships all become expressions of God’s love.
The Church must never become fascinated with disasters while neglecting those who suffer through them.
3. The Nations Continue to Rage
Psalm 2 asks:
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples imagine a vain thing?”
Today’s headlines increasingly reflect ancient words.
Political polarization.
Violence.
National conflicts.
Hatred.
Division.
Attempts to redefine truth itself.
Yet Psalm 2 reminds us that none of this surprises God.
The kingdoms of this world may shake.
The Kingdom of God does not.
The Greater Crisis
While natural disasters capture headlines, an even greater crisis often goes unnoticed.
It is possible to understand prophecy while neglecting God’s Presence.
It is possible to analyze world events while losing intimacy with Christ.
Many become experts on signs but strangers to the One who gave them.
This is where A.W. Tozer’s words remain profoundly relevant. He lamented that many believers understand God’s Presence doctrinally while seldom experiencing His Presence personally. He wrote that the world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God, while the Church is famishing for want of His Presence.
How desperately our generation needs more than information.
We need transformation.
We need more than analysis.
We need awakening.
The Answer Is Not Panic But Presence
The purpose of biblical prophecy has never been to create fear. Its purpose is to awaken faith.
Every shaking becomes an invitation.
Every groaning reminds us that this world is not our final home.
Every raging nation points us toward the Prince of Peace.
God has always desired more than religious activity.
He desires a people who know Him.
A people who hear His voice.
A people whose confidence rests not in earthly systems but in His eternal Kingdom.
As Tozer observed, entering consciously into God’s Presence burns away the impurities that so easily cling to our lives. It enlarges our hearts, renews our perspective, and enables us to become agents of hope in a world overcome by fear.
How Then Should We Live?
If these are indeed days of shaking, then our calling is clear.
Remain anchored in God’s Word.
Cultivate His Presence daily.
Refuse fear while embracing faith.
Serve those who suffer.
Strengthen families.
Disciple the next generation.
Pray for revival.
Care for our communities.
Proclaim the Gospel with both compassion and conviction.
The darker the night, the brighter the light of Christ shines through His people.
An Unshakable Kingdom
Hebrews concludes with extraordinary hope:
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
That is our confidence.
Not that the earth will never shake.
Not that nations will cease raging overnight.
Not that storms will immediately disappear.
Our confidence is that God’s Kingdom remains unshaken.
The earth may groan.
Institutions may tremble.
Nations may rage.
But Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
This is not the hour for despair.
It is the hour for discernment.
Not retreat, but engagement.
Not panic, but prayer.
Not hopelessness, but holy expectation.
May the shaking drive us to the Savior.
May the groaning awaken compassion.
May the raging of the nations remind us that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven.
And may the Church once again become known—not merely for interpreting the signs of the times—but for reflecting the Presence of the One who holds all things together.
For in the midst of a shaking world, we have received a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.