I have often shared in this blog, that I have felt a “call” to prepare for many years. I have also discussed (recently) the need to intensify preparation. World concerns have been moving us toward an “event” at a much more rapid pace – and many people are beginning to get more nervous and certainly afraid.
My intent, is not to scare – but to impress upon folks the need to prepare. I realize the “get prepared” message is a bit ambiguous, and certainly there are people and groups out there that are pressing extreme views and radical ideas. Some are purposefully preying on the fears of individuals. The preparation call I have felt for over 10 years, is not about having fear – rather, it’s about being able to stay calm and deal effectively during the coming crisis.
We have developed a society of convenience and comforts. We get up-to-the minute news by clicking a mouse and have been conditioned to expect information in 30 second soundbites. We keep up with friends and celebrities and often base our relationships with people by reading a two-sentence post on twitter. In so many ways, we have become shallow and overly self-pleasured.
I have felt impressed to begin getting a bit more “intense” with my preparation efforts. I’ve been on the journey toward this transition for quite a while, so getting to this place actually feels like I’ve arrived home.
My preparation journey has been a transition from a 1.3 million dollar mansion in California, to a much more remote area in a very small home that is on land that has been in my family for several generations. I have shifted from a lifestyle of riding in limos and eating at fancy restaurants, to enjoying a peaceful morning harmony of chirping birds, wind whispering through the trees, and farm animals cheerfully welcoming the sunrise. The stream on the property keeps this morning orchestra in perfect cadence as the restful water tumbles over the smooth rocks – flowing gently toward the river below.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit a local shop owner in our town. He had been a merchant for many years, and was lamenting about the fall of his business. He had been extremely successful, but the last three years had been brutal for him – and he was bitter.
The business this merchant had successfully built over the years was beginning to reflect “the shift” in what people value as a treasure. His wares were once considered a collectible investment that brought comfort and pleasure to the possessor. Now, as people are impacted with a changing environment – his trinkets are becoming worthless.
I believe a similar “transition of treasure” will be required of most people during the preparation process. For some, it will be a difficult transition simply because their heart remains with treasures that have defined our comforts. In my journey, the Lord began to shift what I have valued as a “treasure”. I firmly believe that one of the most difficult (yet required) elements of preparation is embracing the changes in what we truly place value in. We can either embrace the transition of treasure, or we can wage a feeble struggle that will ultimately take us down a path of defeat and bitterness. Either way, the change will happen – whether we want it or not.
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:35).
As I continue to prepare, I believe we all need to continually take personal inventory of the things that truly reflect value to us. I reflect on how changes (perhaps drastic changes) might impact the items that have been labeled as a “treasure.”
Every day I am more convinced… Our real treasures can not be acquired by a purchase.
I believe we live in turbulent times and the difficulties often cause great anxiety and chaos in families. I also discern that things will likely get more difficult in the days and months ahead. We must prepare.
I’ve often shared that the “Call to Preparation” is far more than just food storage and learning new skills. It is about being anchored in your Faith, and letting God teach and lead you to overcome fears, difficulties, and discomforts – without completely falling apart (emotionally) under the strains. For many people, it is a major challenge and an obstacle that has been easily hidden from view – in a relatively calm existence. I often think that many of us would rather hide our fears under a rug, than go through the agony of facing (and dealing) with personal discomforts and failures.
The “discipline” of Preparation requires that we deal with tough things in order to handle tough days ahead. The work of Preparation then, is not simply a stroll in the park. In my journey, to be prepared means to accept the task of being vulnerable” in order to get rid of excess baggage that may hold me down during difficult times. That means being open and willing to purge emotional baggage (and resentments) that will likely serve no good purpose in any future difficulty.
One of those difficulties for many people is dealing with past pains from childhood, or specifically – hurts from parents. I don’t wish to sound cold or uncaring with emotional difficulties from a family of abuse, but I do wish to make a point. For the sake of those you love… It is time to “get a grip” and move yourself to the present.
It absolutely amazes me the number of people who continually find a way to blame their problems or difficult circumstances on their parents. Anytime trouble strikes, they are likely to complain “It’s all my parents’ fault! They are the ones who made me this way.” It sounds a lot like the ridiculous old saying I used to hear a lot… “The devil made me do it.”
This is a paradox that I have pondered many times. I plan for the future, yet my plans are often altered (and even hindered) because of past fears and selfish comforts. I sometime find it frustrating when the baggage of the past weighs on the whole concept of preparation. How can I adequately prepare, if I am manipulated by fears? How can I wisely get ready for potential discomforts, when my weak and selfish flesh always presses me for comforts?
I know that God is sovereign, and I also know by Faith that my future is in His hands. That, however; is another area where I sometimes run into a paradox in my thinking – If God has ultimate control of the outcome of my future, why should I be planning anyway? Why would God call me to prepare if He already knows what the future holds – and already has a plan and outcome set for my life?
I have asked the Lord this question often in my daily quiet time with Him. Early-on, I often struggled with the thought that preparation may be nothing more than a manifestation of my fear of things that I discern are coming. Why would I be called to prepare, if I am also called to live by Faith? If I am preparing, does that mean I am no longer living in Faith? After all, Faith is often going where we are uncomfortable and perhaps confronting giants with little more than a rock and a sling.
The more I walk through this preparation process, the more I find that God seems to be preparing me, rather than me preparing for some other outcome. He continually teaches me that many will not be prepared for some struggles ahead, and they will panic when the waves come – rather than staying focused on the Savior.
So, the preparation call seems to be as much an exercise in faith and obedience, as it is truly getting ready for a future calamity. I find that through the difficulties of preparation, I now spend more time looking to Him for guidance – and less time wondering if I have stocked enough ammo.
So, I have learned some things as I’ve traveled on this journey of preparation. I can’t say I’m pleased with what I’ve learned about myself, but I can say it has been quite revealing. In many ways it has exposed me to some personal vulnerabilities that needed to be dealt with.
I felt the “call” to prepare over 30 years ago. For the majority of that time I had developed assumptions about what preparation would actually look like; storing water, planting gardens, hunting, developing new survival skills, etc.
The fact is, preparation has been completely different than I imagined.
Preparation, is an act of obedience. God called Noah to prepare and build an ark so that he and his family could be saved. I’m pretty sure Noah wondered why he was called to prepare, especially knowing that he would look pretty foolish building a huge boat on dry land. I’m also pretty sure he felt humiliated as people confronted him daily and ridiculed him for his silly project. Ultimately, Noah was rewarded for his faithful obedience to his given assignment.
Here are some of the lessons I have learned in this journey. I will expound more upon them later:
Preparation and Prayer should be INTIMATELY related. Never undertake preparation, without first seeking the Lord.
Effective preparation will not be self-focused, but will always include others. Preparation serves the needs of others.
Preparation is important, but is also very fragile.
Preparation is based on Faith: It is the commitment to things hoped for in the future, and is based on the evidence of things visible in the present.
Preparation does not determine the outcome of the future – but it does direct many actions in the present:
Preparation is only partly a rational process. Discernment, faith, and calling all contribute to the preparation process.
Preparation motivates us by pointing attention and effort to a hopeful outcome. It helps us shift from problems to find solutions, turn limitations to possibilities, and changes despair to hope.
All around, I am seeing an increasing trend toward “turning away” from God, and Godly Living. There is little doubt that people are afraid, and are losing hope. As things get more chaotic and difficult, it seems that individuals are beginning to look more-and-more to government and charities to help – rather than turning to God.
As offerings suffer during a difficult economy, many Churches are beginning to alter their message – apparently to “appeal” to a larger group of people. Many Pastors are no longer bold in their pulpits for fear of being released from their call. (Note to those Pastors… Your Call is from God, and you should be operating in obedience to His authority alone!) The feel-good gospel shared in many “super churches” is distorting true humble and obedient Faith in God, and replacing it with hollow faith in a persons self-righteous pride. Be warned, that faith is temporal and will not sustain.
For 25 years, it was my joy and blessing to serve with the YMCA. When I started, the Mission of the National office was impressive to me: “Putting Christian Principles into practice through programs that build a healthy, body, mind and spirit for all”. Over the years, the YMCA national leadership has slowly turned away from the Christian Principles the organization was founded on. The mission statement today is nothing more than a hollow, watered-down, feel-good, message to help a community. Certainly, service is good – but the Judeo/Christian Principles that birthed the YMCA seem to have been forgotten. The justification is… there is a need to appeal to a larger, more diverse, population. I take issue, and say that the message of Scripture is available to EVERY person – regardless of their diverse background. The Word is stable, and continues to be current and up-to-date. God has NOT changed – we just don’t recognize Him the same, because we have turned away from Him. (more…)
I have been focused on preparation for a long time, so any discussion on the topic comes very natural to me. I am finding, however; even as the topic of preparation is becoming more widespread – there are still quite a few people who do not fully understand what is meant by preparation.
I’ve stated before, like with everything people have varying levels of preparation – and certainly different motivations for preparation. Let me share some general insights on preparation, specifically as it relates to an emergency “change” in lifestyle.
The first question that I’d ask someone to gauge their preparation status is: “If there were to be an emergency of any kind, are you adequately prepared?” It may be a tornado, flood or even a hurricane. It could even be a catastrophic event such as a pandemic illness that sweeps through the world. How prepared are you in case of just such an event?
Unfortunately, the answer for most people is that they are not prepared at all. Emergency preparation takes forethought and careful planning. It is not about paranoia or that the world is coming to an end soon (although, you should be prepared for that as well). If you look, you can definitely find many crackpot (some legitimate) websites that are dedicated to driving paranoia and government conspiracies. Our intent is not to fuel fear – rather, to impress upon the need to prepare in the event of an emergency or disaster. This article is designed to help you understand what you can do to be prepared.
How do people prepare for emergencies?
Emergency preparation all starts with a list. You need to really stop and think about the possible emergencies that could happen in your region of the world. If you live near a river, lake or the ocean then you have to worry about flooding. If you live in a tornado prone area, you need to prepare for that. Winter storms can do a terrible amount of damage. Step one is thinking about what you use on a daily basis. Water is the number one resource that must be conserved and kept in case of an emergency. People can survive weeks without food but only a few days without water. And in the case of an emergency you cannot trust the water coming out of your faucet.
The second step is examining your shelter. Should your home be damaged you need to have an alternate place for shelter set up. It may be at a friend, family member or coworker’s home.
The third most important step is making an emergency plan. This plan should detail where all members of the family will meet in case they are separated at the time of the emergency. There are many books that you can purchase to help you learn basic survival skills in case of a disaster. You should consider picking one up and reviewing it just to see how well you would fare. (more…)
I have often shared in this blog, that I have felt a “call” to prepare for many years. I have also discussed (recently) the need to intensify preparation. World concerns have been moving us toward an “event” at a much more rapid pace – and many people are beginning to get more nervous and certainly afraid.
