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When Wisdom Looks Like Folly: The Courage to Prepare

When Wisdom Looks Like Folly: The Courage to Prepare

“The wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter.” – Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NASB)

Imagine the whispers in Egypt’s marketplaces. Picture the sideways glances and subtle head-shaking as Joseph ordered the construction of yet another granary during a time of unprecedented abundance. “Why store so much when the harvests are plenty?” they must have wondered. “Surely this Hebrew dreamer has lost his mind.”

A thousand years earlier, the same whispers had followed Noah. Year after year, the master shipbuilder labored under cloudless skies, constructing an ark for a flood no one could imagine. Century after century, this story of steadfast preparation would echo through time, speaking to those rare souls who dare to prepare for what others cannot see.

The Loneliness of Divine Foresight

“By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” – Hebrews 11:7 (NASB)

There’s a unique kind of loneliness that comes with divine foresight. Noah felt it with every hammer stroke that echoed across dry land. Joseph experienced it as he systematically stored grain during years of plenty. Even the prophet Elijah understood it when he declared a drought under clear skies.

These men share a common thread: they acted on God’s wisdom when it appeared foolish to everyone else. Their stories teach us that godly preparation often looks like folly to a world drunk on temporary abundance.

The Weight of Sacred Knowledge

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 (NASB)

Consider Joseph’s position. God had revealed through Pharaoh’s dreams what no economist could predict: seven years of abundance followed by seven years of devastating famine. This knowledge was both a privilege and a burden. With revelation came responsibility—the responsibility to act while others remained comfortably oblivious.

In our own time, we too may feel the weight of understanding seasons. When God opens our eyes to see beyond current prosperity, it carries an obligation to act. Like Joseph, we might find ourselves taking steps that others consider excessive or unnecessary.

The Courage to Look Foolish

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NASB)

Perhaps the greatest test in preparation isn’t the work itself—it’s enduring the skepticism of others. When Noah built the ark, he wasn’t just constructing a vessel; he was building a testimony. Every plank laid was a declaration of faith in God’s word over popular opinion.

Joseph faced similar challenges. Imagine explaining to Egyptian officials why they needed to systematically store grain during the most prosperous period in memory. His position as Pharaoh’s appointed leader didn’t shield him from questioning glances and doubtful murmurs.

The Hidden Wisdom in Preparation

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27 (NASB)

There’s a profound irony in how God’s wisdom often appears. Noah’s ark seemed unnecessary until the first raindrop fell. Joseph’s granaries looked excessive until the famine began. The five wise virgins’ extra oil appeared wasteful until the bridegroom delayed.

This pattern reveals a crucial truth: Godly preparation often seems excessive until it becomes essential. Like a life insurance policy, its value isn’t apparent until it’s needed. Yet when that moment comes, the difference between those who prepared and those who scoffed becomes stark indeed.

The Prosperity Paradox

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” – Proverbs 27:12 (NASB)

Here’s a startling insight from Joseph’s story: The greatest threat to preparation isn’t adversity—it’s prosperity. During abundance, preparation looks unnecessary. The marketplaces are full, the crops are plenty, and the future seems secure. Yet it was precisely during Egypt’s most prosperous period that preparation was most crucial.

This paradox speaks powerfully to our time. When markets are strong and shelves are stocked, the call to prepare sounds like paranoia. But prosperity has always been God’s preferred time for preparation. The wise steward knows that abundance is not an invitation to indulgence but an opportunity for preparation.

The Ministry of Preparation

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NASB)

What’s often overlooked in these biblical accounts is how personal preparation became public provision. Noah’s ark didn’t just save his family—it preserved the animal kingdom. Joseph’s storehouses didn’t just protect Egypt—they saved surrounding nations, including his own family.

This reveals preparation’s higher purpose: it’s not merely about personal survival but about positioning ourselves to be God’s instruments of provision for others. When we prepare with God’s wisdom, we become part of His supply line in times of scarcity.

The Call to Courageous Preparation

Today, you might feel the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit calling you to prepare. Like Noah, you might not see storm clouds. Like Joseph, you might be surrounded by abundance. Yet something within you resonates with the call to prepare.

Remember: wisdom often looks like folly until time proves it right. Noah endured decades of mockery before the first raindrop fell. Joseph stored grain for seven years before the famine began. Their vindication came not from human approval but from divine timing.

Prayer for Preparatory Wisdom

Father, grant us the courage of Noah and the wisdom of Joseph. Help us hear Your voice above the crowd’s opinions. Give us strength to prepare when others doubt, and wisdom to steward abundance with eternity in view. May our preparation position us to be instruments of Your provision for others in times of need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

Remember: The same God who vindicated Noah’s building and Joseph’s storing is calling His people to prepare today. Your obedience, though misunderstood now, may become someone else’s miracle tomorrow.

Ordering supplies, and Supply resources

Many people have asked me where we are getting some of our supply items.  I’ll offer links to places we have dealt with in our preparation, and have found them to be very helpful.

For our heirloom seeds, we have found an excellent resource:  Landreth Seeds

For Grains and grain milling supplies we, of course, order from our own storehouse:  Millers Grain House.

For de-hydrated whole foods, there is no better resource that offers top quality, and organically grown:  URI International

What do we NOT know?

My family has been in preparation for a while. It certainly hasn’t always been an easy journey, but it has been essential.

Years ago, the “Preparation Call” was not a popular calling. People considered us weird and extreme. Some members of my extended family called me an “alarmist”. But… at that particular time things seemed okay in the world, so people assumed all would be well.

Fast forward to today, and you see a completely different story. People are concerned with what they read in the news every day. People are afraid, and wondering what the future holds.

Even as things seem to be falling apart, I am confident in the One who has my heart. I am encouraged with the following words from Scripture…

Fear thou not; for I am with you: do not be dismayed; for I am your God… (Isaiah 41:10)

I do not know all that is coming, but I do believe we have some very difficult times ahead. In the USA, I believe we will be entering into a time where our Constitution will be in a serious crisis. That will cause further fear, chaos, and turmoil. The time to prepare is now, and to draw closer to Yah – the One who freely gives us His Grace that we might be saved.

It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8,9)

The day is upon us. Prepare.

Are you prepared for the coming crisis?

Are you prepared for the coming crisis?

Preparation 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.

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US Government Warns of Revelation Apocalypse?

US Government Warns of Revelation Apocalypse?

prepare for an apocalypseAs we continue with the assignment of sharing the need for preparation, it seems we are now joined by the US Government in proclaiming the need to prepare for the Last Days Apocalypse.

In fact, in a recent and popular post on the Center for Disease Control site there was a somewhat disturbing article entitled “Preparedness -101:  Zombie Apocalypse“.

Do you think the US Government knows something they are not fully disclosing to a sheepish public?  Well of course they do.

I am quite sure the title of this recent article was carefully chosen to create attention and interest from a generation that seems to be strangely fascinated with the horror element and the spread of death through viral interactions.  I certainly understand the desire for the Center for Disease Control to market their message of preparedness and certainly recognize the need to alert people of the need to prepare for difficult events.

However… as I read the article on the CDC website it does not really impact me as simply an attention-grabbing horror show fantasy.  The fact is, the Bible has already disclosed the events that will unfold and has given us warning that we should be prepared for such events.  Why are we now so surprised that even secular Governments are beginning to recognize the times that we live?

In the Book of Revelation we read:

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.  Rev. 6:8

I believe it is quite ironic that the US Government CDC website used a viral death plague as an apocalyptic description.  The CDC urges us to get prepared because such a scenario is not out of the question.  The fact is, the Bible has already given us this warning.

Governments regularly shout the message to their people to get prepared for earthquakes, famines, flood, disease, unusual weather events, and terrorism.  We regularly hear of wars and rumors of wars, and even receive warning of impending disasters in the heavens (increasing solar flares, meteors, comets, etc). (more…)

Prepare Your Heart

I have such an incredible family.   My wife and children have been such an inspiration and support.

My oldest daughter shared this with me, and it is so pertinent to the Preparation Call and to the theme of this site.  I hope you enjoy…

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.  Titus 3:1-2

This is such a spectacular verse!  You may not be a Christian or of the same beliefs, but there’s no denying that the above verse can be applied to everyone’s life.  It just isn’t something we always want to hear, is it?  Especially in the heat of a moment or time of frustration or those periods when you want to just isolate yourselves and take care of your own. But take a moment to really let that sentence sink in.

I find that the section in particular that sums up the entire verse is “to be ready to do whatever is good”.  To be ready!  That’s another way of saying ‘prepare’. Everyone should be ready to do whatever is good, not only in the easy times, but more so in the difficult times.  To be considerate, peaceable and gentle toward everyone!

As you take this journey and are preparing, you cannot neglect your heart. Preparation is a process that should go deeper than solely learning which alternative shelter to choose or how to store enough food.  This is a journey that takes heart and you cannot lose a grip on your foundation. Yes, learn all that you can and prepare in the physical and external sense of the word. Yet always remember that external circumstances can quickly shift.  Put your hope in the living God and not in how well you prepare. So that then you can be ready to do whatever is good even in the most difficult moments.