Suddenly, there was an earthquake so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken. All the doors immediately flew open, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.
Acts 16:26 (ISV)
Our lives are like a puzzle; each piece must fit perfectly in its proper place. Every day we are bombarded by the stresses of life, and they usually manifest in areas of relationships, money, family, health, or our careers. If you can manage all these areas, then you have found what most of us are looking for, and that is harmony. However, if these areas of your life are continuously bouncing against each other, then there could be an earthquake at the point of excess pressure, along the connecting pieces of the puzzle, otherwise known as the fault lines.
Scientists measure an earthquake by its seismic activity. They look at the frequency of the shaking and the area that it affects. However, for those of us who experience them, it can feel as if the rug has been pulled from underneath us. As tragic as earthquakes are, they teach us many things. We are shown areas of weakness, places that need to be made secure, foundations that need to be strengthened, and some structures that need not be as rigid, but allow for some movement so they can remain standing after such a violent shaking.
As crazy as it sounds, earthquakes can liberate you. When the shaking forces of things colliding upset our lives, it can challenge us to make changes in order to avert further disasters. Sometimes a trip to the emergency room encourages us to take better care of ourselves, a crisis in a relationship teaches us to value those we love, and sometimes a career crisis can direct us to our real passion. Whatever is going on in your life, if you have managed to survive an earthquake, then you may have the courage to rebuild, but this time, allowing for the excessive pressures that the pieces of your life endure when they are thrown together. This will ensure that your life does not come down like a deck of cards.
