When the Earth Shakes
"The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up." - Revelation 8:7
It’s hard to imagine the kind of destruction described when the first trumpet sounds in Revelation. A third of the earth’s forests burned...a third of the trees were destroyed. All green grass – gone. This isn’t just a localized event. It’s global. The very systems we rely on for food, clean air, and life itself are shaken to the core.
The ripple effects would be overwhelming. Without forests, air pollution increases. Without fruit trees and grasses, animals lose their habitats and food sources, causing them to die off. And without these resources, humanity faces an unprecedented food crisis. It’s not just a physical catastrophe, it’s a vivid picture of how fragile our world truly is.
What can you take away from this? First, it’s a reminder of how dependent we are on God for everything. The food on your table, the air you breathe, and the systems that sustain life are all held together by Him. In a moment, it could all change. This reality should lead you to gratitude. How often do you thank God for the things you take for granted? The fruit you eat, the clean air you breathe, and the stability of the natural world are daily blessings.
Second, it’s a call to examine what you’re relying on. When your world is shaken, where do you turn? It’s easy to place your trust in what feels secure—your job, your bank account, or even the predictability of nature. But Revelation reminds us that only God is unshakable. When everything else crumbles, He remains.
As you reflect on this passage, let it bring both gratitude and trust into your heart. Thank God for His daily provision and remember that He is your ultimate source. No matter what you face, He is faithful, and He will sustain you. Even when the earth shakes, you can stand firm in Him.
It’s hard to imagine the kind of destruction described when the first trumpet sounds in Revelation. A third of the earth’s forests burned...a third of the trees were destroyed. All green grass – gone. This isn’t just a localized event. It’s global. The very systems we rely on for food, clean air, and life itself are shaken to the core.
The ripple effects would be overwhelming. Without forests, air pollution increases. Without fruit trees and grasses, animals lose their habitats and food sources, causing them to die off. And without these resources, humanity faces an unprecedented food crisis. It’s not just a physical catastrophe, it’s a vivid picture of how fragile our world truly is.
What can you take away from this? First, it’s a reminder of how dependent we are on God for everything. The food on your table, the air you breathe, and the systems that sustain life are all held together by Him. In a moment, it could all change. This reality should lead you to gratitude. How often do you thank God for the things you take for granted? The fruit you eat, the clean air you breathe, and the stability of the natural world are daily blessings.
Second, it’s a call to examine what you’re relying on. When your world is shaken, where do you turn? It’s easy to place your trust in what feels secure—your job, your bank account, or even the predictability of nature. But Revelation reminds us that only God is unshakable. When everything else crumbles, He remains.
As you reflect on this passage, let it bring both gratitude and trust into your heart. Thank God for His daily provision and remember that He is your ultimate source. No matter what you face, He is faithful, and He will sustain you. Even when the earth shakes, you can stand firm in Him.
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