The films of the James Bond movie franchise typically reflect Bond’s specific instruction on how to make his martini, shaken not stirred. I think I’ve only had one martini in my entire life and I doubt I could tell the difference between shaken and stirred, but our friend Bond, James Bond, definitely could.
I was born in a shaky environment. Specifically the 7.3 magnitude earthquake in July 1952 that nearly leveled Kern County, California. My entrance to the world was via C-Section, six days prior to the earthquake, so Mom and I were still in the hospital when the shaking began. Hospital beds full of patients were moved to the lawn of the hospital for protection from crumbling walls and associated dangers until the aftershocks no longer presented a danger. I obviously have no direct memory of this, however, my family was definitely shaken.
There is little doubt most of us have been shaken to the core of our being by disappointments, losses, failures, and abandonments. We have found ourselves literally frozen: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am choosing to claim this passage of freedom written by David in Psalm 62:5-8 (NASB):
5 My soul, wait in silence for God alone,
For my hope is from Him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
My refuge; I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my glory rest on God;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your hearts before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah.
I am done with being shaken by my own failures and by people who have actively worked to undermine my faith! I am stirred to put defeat behind me and exercise my faith in the mighty power of God. The Apostle Paul sends encouragement to Timothy to stay strong in the faith and to be bold rather than ashamed. I claim that as well.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 13 Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. – 2 Timothy 1:3-14
Through the power of God, my faith is stirred, not shaken!
Simple Faith 