Last week we shared how we survived a massive 8.1 earthquake in Chiapas Mexico.
It was 11:49 pm on Sept 11, 2017 when the ground, floors and walls of our old building began to shake. Our family jumped up and ran down from the 3rd floor of the apartment where we live in Chiapas Mexico.
Everyone gathered in the streets as neighbors began to cry out to God for their dear lives.
If you missed it, read about the earthquake here.
The Truth about Aftershocks.
One of the things you never hear much about after an earthquake are the aftershocks. Especially when they register over 5 and 6 magnitude. We experienced several large tremors as there were thousands of aftershocks recorded over the past week.
Last week I talked to you about end times.
You can’t predict an earthquake which comes as a thief in the night but you can be prepared, especially when it comes to aftershocks.
Look at I Thessalonians 5:
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
I learned some things from the aftershocks that are applicable to these end times we’re living in … These life lessons may shake you up!
Here in Mexico we’ve experienced a lot of shaking and tremors. Shaking is “sacudida” in Spanish. Us ministers capitalize on this by saying, “Dios nos esta dando una buena sacudida” translated:
God is shaking us up or shaking the dust off of us!”
Here’s 3 lessons I learned from the aftershocks that may shake you up:
1. Don’t Sleep. (Ok, but with one eye open!)
After an earthquake it’s hard to sleep because you never know when one of those tremors will just keep on going and turn into another earthquake.
The metaphor in verse 6 is not talking so much about physical sleep as it is spiritual slothfulness and complacency. It expresses not so much actual sin (Ephesians 5:14) as carelessness in spiritual and moral things. We should behave accordingly.
2. Watch and be Sober.
Sleep with your clothes on and be prepared for another big one.
Ana Trejo slept on the couch with all her clothes and shoes for 3 days so she could easily make a dash for the street. She was prepared.
Be ready for the coming of the Lord. Let’s regard it as an event which is certain to occur, and which may occur at any moment; Matthew 25:13.
3. Fear Not.
Many people in Chiapas are living in fear. Some are even in a state of panic. That’s not what God wants.
Christ gives us peace and love, not fear (II Timothy 1:7).
Even though we need to be vigilant and prepared, we should not live in fear.
God encourages his followers to “fear not” 365 times in the Bible, one for each day of the year.
God’s encouragement is especially evident in Psalm 23:4 (NLT), which reads: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
I trust these life lessons will add value to your life. I’d love to hear what you think about the these end times shakings in the comments below…