"Shaken Before Being Used"

Shaken Before Being Used

“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28
Just because you are in the middle of a storm does not mean you have stepped outside of God’s will. In fact, throughout Scripture, God often used storms, trials, and uncertain seasons to strengthen His people, refine their faith, and prepare them for what was ahead.
Sometimes we find ourselves asking, “Lord, why me? Why this? Why now?” And sometimes, we never receive the answer we were hoping for. But Romans 8:28 reminds us that even when we cannot understand what God is doing, we can trust that He is still working.
Many medicine bottles come with the instruction, “Shake well before using.” Maybe there is a spiritual picture in that.
From time to time, we can become settled into the routine of everyday life. We get comfortable, focused on ourselves, distracted by what is happening around us, and sometimes unaware of the Lord’s presence and His desire to work through us. And it may be in those seasons that God allows life to shake us before He uses us.
The shaking may feel uncomfortable, but it does not mean God has abandoned you. Sometimes the shaking is actually preparation. Maybe God is realigning your priorities. Maybe He is strengthening your faith. Maybe He is removing something you have depended on more than Him. Or maybe He is preparing you to be used in a way you never expected.
So if life feels a little shaken right now, don’t assume God is absent. The storm you are asking God to remove may be the very place where He is preparing you for what comes next.
Trust Him in the shaking. Trust Him in the waiting. Trust Him when you cannot see the purpose yet. Because God promised that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Even when “all things” includes a little shaking.
Prayer:
Lord, help me keep my eyes focused on You and remember that You have called me for a purpose. When life feels shaken, help me trust that You are still working, still shaping me, and still preparing me. Realign my heart and make me ready to be used by You. And Lord, help me stay close enough that maybe so much shaking won’t be necessary! Amen.