A simple glance at today’s headlines shows a world in turmoil.

Economies are shaking, ecosystems are groaning, and tragedies—both natural and manmade—flash across our screens.

Truly, everything that can be shaken is being shaken. In disaster zones I’ve witnessed the collapse of structures, not only because of the storms but because they were built on faulty foundations.

Scripture reminds us that both spiritually and practically, we must build on an unshakable foundation—the Cross of Christ.

Yet even in the Church, corners are being cut and compromises made, leaving many shipwrecked in their faith. As David Ravenhill warns in Blood Bought:

“If we fail to understand the full message of the Cross, our very foundation is questionable and our faith is faulty at best.”

Many desire the power of Pentecost without first going by way of the Cross. The result? A form of godliness that denies its true source. Institutions are propped up without the Presence that gives them power, leaving us powerless to see authentic revival. May the Holy Spirit grant us a fresh revelation of Calvary’s cost and the redemption it purchased.

Lessons from Shiloh:

On one visit to Israel, my wife and I stood at the site in Shiloh where the tabernacle once stood (1 Samuel 1–4). There Hannah cried out to God for a son, and there the ark of God’s presence was once kept. As I prayed, I was struck by two parallel stories—one a warning, the other a hope.

In those days, the spiritual light in Israel was fading. The priests Hophni and Phineas lived in open sin, exploiting worshippers and neglecting their duties, including keeping oil in the temple lamp. Their father Eli knew of their wickedness but failed to correct them. Eventually, the glory of God departed, and the ark was captured.

Yet even in that darkness, God was at work. Hannah’s desperate prayer brought forth Samuel, a righteous prophet and judge. When God first called to him, “the lamp of God had not yet gone out” (1 Samuel 3:3). Judgment would come to Eli’s house, but God would also raise up a faithful priest.

Private Disobedience = Public Powerlessness:

The tragedy of Shiloh reminds us that private sin always has public consequences. Hophni and Phineas’s hidden corruption led to national defeat. Likewise, the modern church can cling to traditions, programs, and institutions, yet if the Presence of God has departed, we are powerless. We often blame government or culture, but revival begins with our own repentance.

The key to victory is not the ark—it is obedience. Without it, the lamp goes out and the Presence departs.

In Search of the Faithful:

Ezekiel 22 describes a nation where princes, politicians, prophets, priests, and people all turned from God, tolerating corruption and injustice. God searched for someone to “stand in the gap” but found none.

Today, our own lamp is flickering. God is looking for a righteous remnant—those who will keep the oil in their lamps, honor His Word, and obey His commands.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare:

Like Noah, who “moved with godly fear” and prepared an ark (Hebrews 11:7), we are called to prepare in three ways:

Prepare the Bride – Be ready for the Bridegroom’s return.
Prepare the Ark – Be a place of refuge in times of trouble.
Prepare the Way of the Lord – Remove obstacles for His coming.

In Matthew 25, five virgins were wise, keeping their lamps full of oil. The five foolish ones allowed their oil to run out and missed the Bridegroom’s arrival. Today, much of the church resembles the foolish virgins—unprepared and without the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Hope in Dark Times:

Hebrews 12:27 tells us that God allows shaking so only what cannot be shaken will remain. In the days of Eli’s corrupt sons, God was already raising up Samuel. In our day, He is preparing a new prophetic generation—voices of courage, righteous judges, leaders of integrity.

A Samuel Generation:

We must resist “cosmetic Christianity”—all shine, no substance. Without the Presence, our celebrations are powerless. As Leonard Ravenhill said, “Many want an Upper Room experience, but they’re unwilling to humble themselves at the Cross.”

The path to public power runs through private humility. One of the highest forms of worship is obedience. Prayerlessness in private always becomes powerlessness in public.

God is calling princes, politicians, priests, prophets, and people to love Him and others more than themselves. From pulpits to political offices…and all in between, we need a revival of character.

Before the lamp goes out and the glory departs, may a new Samuel generation rise to lead with holiness, courage, and the power of the Holy Spirit.