The BIG ONE!

For three consecutive weeks, my beloved country, the Philippines, has faced one disaster after another strong typhoons that uprooted homes, great floods that submerged communities, volcanic eruptions that covered towns in ash, and now, a series of powerful earthquakes that have shaken the nation from its northern provinces down to the southern islands. It feels like one tragedy after another. The whole country is trembling, not only from the movement of the earth beneath, but also from the fear that grips every heart.

Finding Peace Amid the Earthquakes

Even though I now live in Cambodia, my heart aches for the Philippines. Each time I see the news or receive updates from family, I feel both thankful and anxious. Thankful because they’re still safe, but anxious because I know how unpredictable nature can be. My mama, who lives alone, often comes to mind. I message her daily to check in and remind her to prepare an emergency bag with essentials medicines, bottled water, a flashlight, and, of course, a whistle. It has always been our practice back home. We learned it from childhood: when you hear the ground rumble or see the walls sway, you find a safe spot, cover your head, and stay calm. But calm is not always easy when fear comes without warning.

I remember clearly the first earthquake I ever experienced. I was in fourth grade, sitting in a classroom filled with laughter and chatter. Suddenly, everything changed. The floor began to shake, the blackboard rattled, and screams filled the air. My teacher shouted for us to hide under our desks. I remember crying uncontrollably. I thought, “What if I never see my family again?” I was so young, but the thought of dying came so suddenly that it left a mark on me for life. Since that day, the fear of earthquakes has never completely left me. Every time I hear news of tremors back home, my heart skips a beat.

The Philippines sits right in the middle of what scientists call the “Ring of Fire” a region known for its active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. For decades, we’ve been warned about “The Big One,” a major catastrophic earthquake predicted to strike anytime, especially along the fault lines that run beneath Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Many say the recent earthquakes are signs that it could be approaching soon.

People are afraid, and I understand why. The images of cracked roads, fallen bridges, and collapsed homes are heartbreaking. Families losing loved ones. Children crying in fear. Hospitals overwhelmed with the injured. 

These are not just statistics, they are people. 
They are our fellow Filipinos.

But even in these moments of deep uncertainty, one truth remains firm: God is still in control.

👉👉 Finding Peace in Life's Storm 

When the Earth Trembles, God Remains Steadfast

Natural disasters remind us how fragile life really is. In an instant, everything we depend on our homes, possessions, plans can be shaken or taken away. Yet the Bible tells us that while the world may crumble, God’s love and promises will never change.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
— John 14:1 (NLT)

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples at a time when they were also surrounded by fear. They were worried about their future, uncertain about what would happen to them once Jesus was gone. Yet, He looked them in the eyes and said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” It wasn’t a suggestion, it was an invitation to trust.

He didn’t say, “You will never face trouble.” He said, “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” There’s a big difference. Jesus knew storms would come, that earthquakes both literal and spiritual, would shake our lives. But He also knew that true peace doesn’t come from calm surroundings. It comes from knowing Who is with you in the storm.

When I read that verse this week, it felt personal. The earth may tremble beneath us, but the presence of God remains unshakable. He is our foundation when everything else around us seems unstable.

Facing Fear with Faith

Fear is something we all face. Whether it’s fear of natural disasters, sickness, financial loss, or losing loved ones fear is real. It doesn’t choose age, gender, or social status. Everyone has something that makes their heart anxious.

But fear doesn’t have to control us.

When we face things beyond our control, God invites us to trust Him even more deeply. Trusting God doesn’t mean ignoring what’s happening. It means acknowledging that even when we don’t understand, we believe He is still sovereign.

Psalm 46 reminds us:

“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
— Psalm 46:1–2 (NIV)

What a powerful reminder. Even if the ground beneath us gives way, God remains our solid rock. Even if the mountains crumble, His love stands firm.

The truth is, the world will always give us reasons to be afraid. Wars, diseases, job insecurity, and natural disasters, all these things can shake us. But God gives us reasons to stand firm. When fear rises, faith must rise higher.

How Do We Fight Fear Practically?

Trusting God is not just a spiritual idea, it’s a daily choice. Here are a few practical ways that have helped me personally, and I hope they will help you too:

1. Take your thoughts captive.
When fearful thoughts flood your mind, pause and remind yourself of God’s truth. The Bible says, “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Replace “What if?” with “Even if.” Even if the worst happens, I know God will still be with me.

2. Stay rooted in God’s Word.
Fear grows when faith weakens. Reading and meditating on Scripture strengthens our hearts. When you start your day with the Word of God, it centers your thoughts on His promises rather than the problems around you.

3. Surround yourself with prayerful people.
When life shakes, we need others to hold us steady. Reach out to friends, pastors, or small groups. Share your worries and pray together. In moments of fear, the community of believers becomes a lifeline of encouragement.

4. Listen to worship music.
Music has a way of calming the heart. When I feel anxious, I listen to songs that remind me of God’s power and goodness. Worship shifts our focus from fear to faith.

5. Serve and help others.
Sometimes, the best way to overcome fear is to reach out. When we help others who are suffering, our own fears lose their power. Serving redirects our hearts toward compassion and reminds us that God is working through us.

Earthquakes and Faith: A Wake-Up Call

Every disaster, no matter how painful, can serve as a wake-up call. It shakes not only the ground but also our hearts. It reminds us of what truly matters. In times like these, people start praying again. Neighbors help one another. Families reconcile. The community becomes stronger.

For believers, this is also a moment to reflect and reconnect to remember that our faith is not meant to stay silent. It’s meant to shine in the darkest moments.

For those who have drifted away from God, disasters can open doors to repentance and renewal. It’s never too late to come back. God is not punishing; He is calling. He is drawing hearts closer to Him, reminding us that life is fragile but His love is eternal.

And for those who have not yet known Him, this is a powerful opportunity to encounter His grace. Sometimes, it takes the shaking of the earth for us to recognize the steadfastness of God.

Praying for the Philippines

Each night, my family and I now include a special prayer for the Philippines. We pray for the safety of our loved ones, for comfort for those who have lost everything, and for wisdom for the leaders who are managing relief efforts. We pray for calm after the storms, for healing, and for the gospel to be shared among the hurting.

Maybe this is the time for us, Filipinos living abroad, to be intercessors for our nation. Even if we are far away, our prayers travel faster than any aftershock. God hears. He listens. He responds.

And to our brothers and sisters in the Philippines be encouraged. You are not alone. The same God who protected Daniel in the lion’s den, who calmed the sea for the disciples, who held the earth in His hands since creation. He is with you now.

Peace That Cannot Be Shaken

Isaiah 26:3 says:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Perfect peace is not the absence of storms. It is the presence of God in the middle of them. The peace that comes from God is different from the peace the world offers. It doesn’t depend on circumstances. It depends on trust.

When we put our confidence in God, we experience peace that surpasses understanding. We can sleep even when the ground trembles. We can smile even when life feels uncertain. We can continue to hope even when everything seems lost.

That is the power of trusting God.

A Message to the Faith Community

To my fellow believers: this is the time to stand firm in faith. People are searching for answers, for peace, for hope. Let’s not keep that hope to ourselves. Let’s be channels of God’s love and grace.

Let’s comfort those who mourn, pray with those who are afraid, and remind others that there is a God who never leaves nor forsakes. Let’s also live as witnesses of the gospel by showing compassion, humility, and faith in action.

And if you’re struggling yourself, it’s okay to admit that. Faith doesn’t mean we don’t feel afraid; it means we choose to trust God despite the fear.

A Message to Those Who Don’t Yet Believe

If you’re reading this and you’re unsure about faith, I want to say this gently: maybe this is your moment. The world feels unstable, but there is a Rock that never moves. His name is Jesus.

You don’t need perfect faith to come to Him. Just come as you are. He understands your fear, your questions, your doubts. He’s not distant. He’s near to the brokenhearted.

When life feels uncertain, let it lead you to the One who holds eternity in His hands.

Reflection and Prayer

As we close, I want to invite you to reflect on these questions:

• What fears are shaking your heart today?

• How can you replace them with practices that draw you closer to God’s peace?

• Who in your life needs to hear words of comfort and hope right now?

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father,
The earth may shake, the seas may roar, and our hearts may tremble, but You remain unshaken.
We lift up to You the people of the Philippines and all who are suffering.
Comfort the broken, protect the weak, and strengthen those who serve in the frontlines.
Help us to trust You more deeply, even when we don’t understand what’s happening.
Remind us that You are our refuge, our strength, and our peace.
Let Your light shine through us so that others may find hope in You.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

My Final Thoughts

Life in this world will never be free from trouble. But even in the shaking, there is beauty. Because every time the ground moves beneath us, God reminds us to stand on Him, the unmovable Rock of our salvation.

The earthquakes in the Philippines have once again reminded me that nothing in this life is permanent. Homes can fall, roads can crack, and cities can crumble. But God’s love endures forever.

Let us not waste these moments of shaking. Let them draw us closer to prayer, to compassion, to one another, and most importantly to God.

And when the next tremor comes, whether it’s in the earth or in our hearts, may we remember this simple truth:

We don’t have to be fearless. We just have to be faithful.

Fear not,
The Hourngs 💗💗🙏🙏