Psalm 62:5-8
“For God alone, my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him. He is only my rock and my salvation, my fortress, and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged.”
The word shaken is used quite a bit in the bible. This verse talks about God being our rock and our salvation. He is our fortress and my defense. Knowing Him means knowing your purpose, unshaken and undeterred.
In life, we often face moments that shake us, but God’s word teaches us the difference between being shaken by doubt and standing firm in faith. Let’s explore how these concepts play out in our lives and in the story of Elise Stevens.
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Just as the psalmist finds unshakable strength in God, I witnessed a modern example of this faith in Union, Oregon.
A few months ago, she removed prices from their menus and implemented a “pay what you can” policy. The owner is standing on the rock and waiting for God’s word to move into this business. He is her fortress and her defense, when others come and mock her for what she is doing. Even churches in the area won’t take part in her business because they don’t think she is hearing from God.
Her new policy has brought her unparalleled success in providing nutritious meals to those in need every single day, all thanks to her unwavering support base.
While Psalm 62 speaks of standing firm and unshaken in faith, Luke 6:38 shows another side of ‘shaken’ — making room for blessings to overflow.
In Luke 6:38, “Give, and you will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over and will be put into you lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Elise’s restaurant, “MeeMaw Daily Sourdough”, often runs out of food by 2 pm, a sign of the overwhelming need she’s meeting. Her faith-driven approach has led to success, with each day’s efforts pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing.
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Her achievements in Union, Oregon are remarkable. I find it unbelievable that some people in the town oppose her ongoing efforts. However, her followers stand by her for managing the business and reinvesting any funds received.
Shaking in Hebrew means the removal of whatever is imperfect or sinful from both heaven and earth. Elise is not allowing those things that would harm her business to enter. She knows it’s a fortress, and her defense is to right a wrong in the community in letting people go without food, proper nourishment.
In Luke, the word for ‘shaken,’ sesaleumenon. Shake flour in a container to settle it, then add more until it overflows. God works by serving those in need, surpassing your limits.
God is known as the helper of orphans and the protector of widows. He cares for the vulnerable. However, in today’s world, the church often relies on the government to meet these needs. The government may offer better care than we can with our limited budgets. The call to care for those in need remains part of our mission.
Elise tackles a massive task, offering more to the community than any government agency. By serving homemade meals like meatloaf and fresh bagel sandwiches daily, she brings smiles and health to a person’s day.
Elise’s story reminds us that when we trust in God’s plan and serve others, our efforts are never wasted. Whether we stand firm in our faith or allow ourselves to be ‘shaken’ to make room for greater blessings, God is always working through us to fulfill His purpose.
Below is her back story.
Eagle's Garden 