Preparedness

 

Coreopsis Lanceolata

Enjoying the beauty of nature is important to mental health. It's also tied to physical health because it often reduces stress in people, and we all know how critical dealing well with stress is.

The photo above of the lance-leaf tickseed above (from the garden bed by my house) really has nothing to do with the subject of preparedness, but it is pretty and, therefore, I want to include it in this post.

This year, as in the past thirty some years, I have grown food in order to "prepare" for the coming winters. In the case of those of us in the north, there's also spring and fall in which to rely upon harvest. We can never be too prepared, can we? 

Every year, I stock up on essentials just in case we get a blizzard and end up stuck in the house for days on end. I also grow as much of my own food (herbs, some berries, and vegetables - I have to buy most fruit). I love trekking to the woods and finding wild blackberries and mushrooms. I have just this year discovered wood sorrel and other delectable salad fixings. Putting food away in the forms of canned, dehydrated, and frozen goods has been therapeutic - and necessary for our family.

I have watched some great online videos and read books and articles concerning the importance of making "prepping" more of a priority than ever before. For the most part, I would have to agree. I don't know if you have noticed, but grocery products have soared in price over the last few months. So have gas prices - both automobile gasoline and heating gas (lp and natural gas). Then there are lumber prices. That's the one everyone talks about these days. And have you thought about purchasing a home? Forget it unless you want to make an offer above and beyond the listed price of whatever property you can actually find available.

No matter what the cause of the rising prices (I have my own theories, but do not wish to elaborate), times are getting tougher for most of us and they are probably going to get a whole lot tougher in the coming days ahead.

The question remains, though. Can we be too prepared? Is there such a thing?

In my own opinion, I would have to say that we can surely overdo it. The reason I think that way is because I know that, as a Christian, I must rely upon God. He said in the Gospel of Matthew that He cares for the lillies and the birds - how much more does He care for us? He has promised to take care of our needs (not our wants - don't confuse them). 

I do believe that part of that providing comes through opportunities to grow and harvest, and then preserve the harvest. I do believe that the Lord expects us to be prepared. Proverbs 6:6-8 says, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer and gathereth her food in the harvest." (KJV)

Proverbs 31 says in verses 10-31:

"A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

 So, God does expect us to make the best use of our resources and be ready. Yet, we can become so focused on our efforts to provide for ourselves that we forget the One who is the real provider. We can do nothing good apart from Him.

And that leads in to which we really need to prepare. Yes, we need to prepare for difficult "moments" in time. But there is certainly something far more important that should grab our attentions and help us to become even more "prepared". 

ETERNITY

I believe, by drawing heavily upon what the Bible says about the future, this world is moving rapidly toward that which Ezekiel and the Book of  Revelation speak about. And not just those two Biblical books. Daniel speaks of the great tribulation. 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 says, "Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (NIV) 

Obviously, we are to be ready for the Lord Jesus Christ's return. It could happen today, next month, next year, whenever. We don't know the "day nor the hour". But we can discern the times. Things are unsteady in the middle east. Things are unsteady in the United States. Things are unsteady in the Church - yes, the (collective) Church has been moving away from the Church in Philadelphia and becoming more and more the Church in Laodicea. I don't know about you, but I really do NOT want the Lord to spit me out of HIs mouth. 

So, my conclusion concerning preparedness is that to prepare for the physical needs of our families is good. It affects mental and physical health. It's what we should do as Proverbs 31 women. But to prepare for the coming "taking away" (or rapture) of Christ's Church is even more important. This affects our spiritual state - which Jesus said is more important than the body (Matthew 10:28).

* I know that not everyone agrees concerning a pre-tribulation rapture. Some believe it will happen mid-tribulation or even post-tribulation. I don't think that's the crux of the matter. Christ is coming for HIs bride. We are told to be watching and be ready. I look up every morning and wonder, is this day? Personally speaking, I can't wait.