by Joseph | Jul 17, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Shared by Jeff Rowland.
It’s hard to talk about preparation without talking about provision. Where our faith resides will determine where our provision will come from. As well, our fear will define what we lean toward for our provision.
Part of proper preparation is to move from fear to faith. We need understanding from a responsible perspective on the times we are living in and then the proper perspective on where our provision comes from.
A casual observation of the things that are happening in our world should lead all of us to the same conclusions. We need to prepare. However, if we inundate ourselves with the information that comes to us from the news outlets through all the various media then we can end up in great fear. Although fear is a motivator to get us to action, fear can also corrupt our spirit. Proper preparation should take fear away not add to our fears.
We understand that from the beginning of recorded time fear has played a major factor in the affairs of man. The first response to sin when Adam rebelled against God was fear. He said, “I hid myself because I was afraid.” Therefore fear finds its source in wondering away from God’s prescribed order.
While responsibility would teach us to do our due diligence to prepare in the manner that many our teaching concerning the ability to sustain through the chaos that is certainly ahead, we must not forget how to prepare our spirit. You can have all the necessities laid in store but if your spirit is broken then hope is gone and there is no life. This is not God’s plan for his people, Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” We must move from fear to faith in order to have life that is joyful and victorious in times of trouble.
Fear seems to touch believers and unbelievers alike. I have never seen fear and concern in the hearts of people more than today. Unbelievers that have their faith in government, money, security of jobs or relationships, now understand that all of these are crumpling and they no longer can find strength in any of their sources of faith. Believers alike have exhibited faith in every source that unbelievers do because most have just a mere profession of faith in Christ instead of a genuine relationship with Christ which brings about real faith in him.
For years I have preached that God has already given us the provision before the need arrives. I’m reminded of what Jesus told the woman at the well. She was caught in the forms and cultures of her society. She cited the feelings that Jews had toward the Samaritans and wondered why Jesus would have anything to do with her. Jesus said, “drink of the water that I give you and you will never thirst again.” The provision that comes through faith in Christ can prepare you not only for eternity but also for life today. If we understood His power and the release of His power through the His Spirit in us I believe we could move from fear to faith and be able to bring order to a chaos that most can’t even imagine.
Amos the prophet of old said, “Prepare to meet thy God.” Jesus said “I go to prepare you a place.” The prepared place is for a prepared people therefore get plugged into His provision and your preparation can be complete in him.
Rev. Jeff Rowland offers more insights on Last Days Preparation on his website at: www.jeffrowlandministry.com
by Joseph | Jul 17, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
In today’s world, it seems like every day brings a new crisis. From natural disasters to economic troubles and even global pandemics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. As Christians, we know that God is in control, but we also have a responsibility to be prepared for whatever challenges come our way.
However, many of us have become complacent when it comes to being ready for emergencies. We see so many warnings and scary scenarios on the news and social media that we start to tune them out. We might even start to believe in conspiracy theories that make us feel like preparing is pointless. This kind of thinking is dangerous and can leave us vulnerable when a real crisis hits.
The Importance of Wisdom and Discernment
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:6-7, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
As Christians, we need to approach preparedness with wisdom and discernment. We can’t just believe everything we hear or read, especially when it comes to rumors or theories that seem too good (or too scary) to be true. Instead, we need to seek out reliable information from trusted sources and experts.
This means looking to our church leaders, government agencies, and reputable organizations for guidance on how to prepare for different kinds of emergencies. It also means being critical thinkers and asking questions when something doesn’t seem right.
Learning from the Past: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 25:1-13 about ten virgins who were waiting for a bridegroom to arrive. Five of them were foolish and didn’t bring enough oil for their lamps, while the other five were wise and prepared.
When the bridegroom was delayed, the foolish virgins ran out of oil and had to go buy more. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived, and the wise virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast. The foolish ones were left outside.
This story teaches us that we need to be ready at all times because we don’t know when Jesus will return or when a crisis will happen. If we’re not prepared, we might miss out on important opportunities or even put ourselves and others in danger.
Practical Steps for Christian Preparedness
So what can we do to be prepared without falling into complacency or conspiracy theories? Here are some practical steps:
- Pray for wisdom and guidance from God (James 1:5).
- Study the Bible and learn from examples of readiness and preparedness (like Noah building the ark or Joseph storing up food in Egypt).
- Make a plan with your family for different types of emergencies (fires, floods, power outages, etc.).
- Put together an emergency kit with essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, first aid, flashlights, and batteries.
- Stay informed about potential risks and hazards in your area, but be discerning about the sources you trust.
- Get involved in your church and community to build relationships and support networks before a crisis happens.
Remember, being prepared isn’t about living in fear or hoarding resources for ourselves. It’s about being wise stewards of what God has given us and being ready to help others in need.
Trusting in God’s Protection and Provision
Ultimately, our hope and security come from God, not from our own efforts or stockpiles. We can trust in His promise to provide for us and protect us, even in the darkest of times.
Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges or hardships, but it does mean that God will give us the strength and resources we need to persevere.
As we navigate these uncertain times, let’s remember to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s be wise and prepared, but let’s also trust in God’s love and grace to carry us through whatever storms may come.
By staying anchored in God’s Word, connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and committed to practical preparedness, we can overcome the dangers of complacency and be ready to shine God’s light in a world that desperately needs it. May we be found faithful and wise servants, always ready for our Master’s return (Luke 12:35-40).
by Joseph | Jul 17, 2026 | Sharing
Most people recognize that we are facing unusual difficulties in our world. Famine, wars, political divisions, diseases, are just some of the issues that have created uncertainties and hurts all over the planet. It’s a unsettling time that has prompted many people to begin preparing for potential turmoil ahead.
The story of Joseph in the Bible offers one of the most profound lessons in the importance of preparedness, obedience to God’s guidance, and the discernment of the times. Through his faithfulness and foresight, Joseph not only saved Egypt from devastating famine but also revealed how God calls His people to wisdom and action long before calamity strikes. In our world today, this message resonates as a reminder of the spiritual and practical significance of preparedness.
Called to Prepare in Times of Abundance
In Genesis 41:29-30, Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream, warning, “Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them.” Here, Joseph’s obedience and humility before God led him to act on divine wisdom. Though the years of plenty tempted many to revel in prosperity, Joseph understood that abundance itself was a gift from God, meant to sustain them through the lean years.
Preparedness, as Joseph’s example shows, is not a lack of faith but an act of obedience. God sometimes calls us to take deliberate steps to prepare for the future, not out of fear but from a place of trust in His provision and foresight. Joseph was not just saving grain; he was stewarding God’s blessing, ensuring that it would meet the needs of people beyond the good times.
Discerning the Times Around Us
Jesus also taught the importance of discernment, urging His followers to be aware of the times. In Matthew 16:3, He rebukes those who can interpret the appearance of the sky but fail to discern the “signs of the times.” Joseph was sensitive to God’s timing, recognizing the call to prepare while others saw no reason to worry. He understood that times of peace and prosperity are not always permanent; they can be a season of preparation for what lies ahead.
As believers, we are called to seek God’s guidance in understanding the signs around us. Just as Joseph recognized the impending famine, we too can pray for wisdom to prepare ourselves, our families, and our communities in ways that honor God. Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” In discerning the times, God equips us to act wisely, turning insight into preparation.
Obedience in Faith, Not in Fear
Preparedness is a testament to faith, not a reaction to fear. Joseph’s actions show us that responding to God’s call to prepare is a form of worship, aligning our hearts with His purposes. Hebrews 11:7 speaks to Noah’s obedience in preparing the ark, saying, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.” Like Joseph and Noah, we are sometimes called to obey God’s prompting before any visible sign of crisis appears.
Our actions today—whether setting aside resources, learning new skills, or nurturing our spiritual lives—can become the very means God uses to bless and sustain us and those around us during difficult times. Joseph’s obedience not only saved Egypt but also offered sustenance to neighboring lands, a ripple effect of God’s provision through one man’s faithfulness.
Preparedness as a Form of Stewardship
In storing grain during times of abundance, Joseph exemplified biblical stewardship. Rather than indulging in the blessings of the moment, he recognized the resources as God’s provision for a future need. Jesus said in Luke 14:28, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” Planning and setting aside resources is an act of wisdom, acknowledging that everything we have is from God and meant to be used for His purposes.
When we embrace preparedness with a heart of stewardship, we affirm that we are caretakers of what God has entrusted to us. Preparedness enables us to offer help, meet needs, and reflect God’s faithfulness in times of difficulty. In times of crisis, the church and God’s people are often called upon to be a source of hope and help, demonstrating God’s provision in practical ways.
A Legacy of Hope and Provision
Joseph’s story leaves us with a powerful legacy. Because he discerned the times, obeyed God’s call, and prepared wisely, he not only protected Egypt but restored his own family and lineage. Genesis 50:20 reflects Joseph’s understanding of God’s purpose, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Preparedness, when rooted in obedience and trust, does more than sustain us; it can serve as a beacon of hope to others, showing God’s hand even in the darkest times. Let us pray for the wisdom to discern the times, for hearts that obey God’s promptings, and for faith to prepare wisely, so that we, like Joseph, may be vessels of God’s provision and love.
May we remember that when God calls us to prepare, it is not just for ourselves, but for the saving and blessing of many lives.
by Joseph | Jul 17, 2026 | Sharing
In the prophetic words of Isaiah, we find an extraordinary image of unshakeable determination: “I have set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed” (Isaiah 50:7). This powerful metaphor—face like flint—speaks of a hardness that refuses to be scratched, a resolution that cannot be worn down. It’s not about stoic indifference or cold hardheartedness, but rather about maintaining an unwavering focus on God’s purposes despite the storms that rage around us.
Consider Joseph in Egypt, whose face must have been like flint indeed. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned unjustly—yet through it all, his countenance remained fixed on the divine purpose that would eventually unfold. “But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer” (Genesis 39:21). This wasn’t mere positive thinking or stubborn determination; it was a spiritual resilience forged in the furnace of adversity.
In our current age of uncertainty, where the foundations seem to shake daily, this quality of flint-faced resilience has never been more crucial. We live in times where faith is tested not just by dramatic persecutions, but by the subtle erosion of constant pressure—much like Joseph’s experience in Potiphar’s house, where day after day, he faced temptation and maintained his integrity: “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
The concept of setting one’s face like flint implies a conscious decision, a deliberate positioning of oneself. It’s not a passive state but an active stance. When Jesus “resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), He wasn’t merely traveling—He was aligning Himself with the Father’s purpose, knowing the cross lay ahead. This kind of determination doesn’t deny the reality of pain or struggle; rather, it transcends them through unwavering trust in God’s sovereign plan.
Joseph’s journey provides a masterclass in this kind of resilience. In the depths of an Egyptian prison, he didn’t just survive—he thrived. “The chief jailer committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it” (Genesis 39:22). Even in the darkness of confinement, his face remained set like flint toward the light of God’s faithfulness.
But here’s where many devotionals miss the mark: this flint-faced resilience isn’t about personal strength or willpower. It’s about becoming a living testimony to God’s sustaining grace. When Joseph finally stood before his brothers years later, he didn’t speak of his own resilience but of God’s sovereignty: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
Consider the metallurgical properties of flint: it’s not just hard; it’s capable of producing sparks when struck. Similarly, our resilience in trials shouldn’t just be about enduring—it should ignite hope in others. Joseph’s steadfastness didn’t just preserve his own faith; it became the means through which entire nations were saved from famine.
The contemporary application is profound. We face:
- Economic uncertainties that threaten our security
- Social upheavals that challenge our values
- Global tensions that shake our peace
- Personal trials that test our faith
Yet like flint, we’re called to maintain our facing, our orientation toward God’s purposes. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
This steadfastness manifests in several key ways:
- Unmoved by Circumstantial Pressure: Just as Joseph remained faithful in Potiphar’s house despite daily temptation, we’re called to maintain our integrity even when compromise seems expedient.
- Sustained Through Extended Trials: Joseph’s imprisonment wasn’t a brief setback but a prolonged season of testing. Yet his face remained set like flint, trusting God’s timing and purpose.
- Focused on Divine Purpose: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Our resilience isn’t about stubborn self-will but about maintaining focus on God’s greater purpose.
What makes this particularly relevant today is the nature of our trials. We’re not just facing isolated challenges but interconnected crises that test our resilience on multiple fronts simultaneously. Like Joseph, we need a resilience that can withstand both acute crises and chronic pressures.
The beauty of the flint metaphor lies in its practical application. Flint doesn’t become harder through use—it’s inherently hard. Similarly, our resilience doesn’t come from building up our own strength but from being grounded in God’s unchanging nature. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
This brings us to a crucial insight: resilience isn’t about becoming impervious to pain or difficulty. Joseph wept when he saw his brothers; Jesus wept at Lazarus’s tomb. Having a face like flint doesn’t mean becoming emotionless—it means maintaining our orientation toward God’s purposes despite our emotions.
Consider how Joseph’s resilience was tested not just in adversity but in prosperity. When he rose to power in Egypt, he maintained his spiritual focus. This is crucial for us today, as trials can come in the form of success as much as failure. “For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11).
The call to set our faces like flint is ultimately a call to profound trust in God’s character. It’s about maintaining an unwavering focus on His faithfulness when everything around us suggests otherwise. Like Joseph in the pit, in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and in the palace, we’re called to maintain our spiritual orientation regardless of circumstances.
As we navigate our own turbulent times, let us remember that flint-faced resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about maintaining our facing toward God even when we do. It’s about getting up again, realigning our focus, and continuing to trust in His sovereign purpose. “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up” (Proverbs 24:16).
May we, like Joseph, maintain faces like flint, not in rigid inflexibility, but in unwavering trust in the God who works all things together for good. Let our resilience be a testimony not to our own strength, but to the unfailing faithfulness of the God we serve.
