Have you ever felt that deep, unsettling loneliness that comes when you’re following a call to prepare, but those around you just can’t see what you see? I’m reminded of Noah, who must have felt this acutely as he built an ark on dry land, enduring years of mockery while constructing a massive vessel for a flood no one believed would come. “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household” (Hebrews 11:7, NAS). His story speaks deeply to those of us who feel compelled to prepare for things others can’t yet see.
I often wonder how Joseph felt in those early days, when he shared his insights about the future while still wearing a shepherd’s cloak. His brothers’ sneering response, “Here comes this dreamer!” (Genesis 37:19, NAS), must have cut deep into his young heart. Yet something within him knew – he had to stay true to what he understood was coming, even when it made him look foolish.
Perhaps you’re there right now. Maybe you’re sensing approaching storms and beginning preparations that seem excessive or unnecessary to others. Whether you’re building spiritual fortifications, developing practical preparations, or following a conviction that seems bizarre to those around you, you’re not alone in this journey. The path of preparation often looks like madness to outside observers.
Let me share three essential anchors that can help us stand firm when our preparations make us look foolish:
- Root Yourself in Quiet Confidence When others question your sanity or wisdom, remember that meaningful preparation often flows from deep conviction rather than popular opinion. Think about Jeremiah, who purchased land while Jerusalem was under siege – an act that seemed absolutely crazy to everyone watching (Jeremiah 32:6-15). Yet his action flowed from a quiet confidence in what he knew to be true.
“Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5, NAS). This isn’t about stubbornness or pride; it’s about that settled peace that comes from careful consideration and conscience. When doubts creep in (and they will), return to that initial conviction that started you on this journey.
- Find Strength in Future Focus One of the most powerful ways to stand firm is to keep your eyes fixed on what lies ahead rather than on current criticism. Paul captured this beautifully when he wrote, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NAS).
Consider how Noah must have focused on the coming rain rather than the daily ridicule. Each plank he nailed, every seam he sealed, was an act of faith in what he understood was coming. When people question your preparations, let their skepticism remind you of why you started preparing in the first place.
- Build a Foundation of Wisdom and Discernment Standing firm requires more than just determination – it requires wisdom. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach” (James 1:5, NAS). This means:
- Regularly examining your motives and methods
- Staying open to guidance and correction
- Maintaining balance in your preparation efforts
- Being willing to adjust your approach while staying true to your core conviction
In practice, this might look like developing skills others consider irrelevant, storing resources when abundance seems endless, or building spiritual disciplines in a pleasure-seeking culture. Whatever form your preparation takes, remember that you’re in good company. History is filled with people who looked foolish until time proved them wise.
I’m particularly moved by how Joseph handled his time of preparation. Through slavery and imprisonment, he didn’t just wait passively – he developed skills and wisdom that would later save nations. While others saw a prisoner, he was becoming a leader. While they saw punishment, he was in preparation.
The reality is, meaningful preparation often looks like destruction to outside observers. When you’re being positioned for future purpose, the process may appear as dismantling rather than construction. Just as a sculptor must remove excess stone to reveal the masterpiece within, thorough preparation often involves stripping away what others consider essential.
Remember, Noah wasn’t crazy; he was prepared. Jeremiah wasn’t foolish; he was forward-thinking. Joseph wasn’t delusional; he was discerning. Your commitment to preparation, regardless of how it appears to others, positions you to help both yourself and others in times of need.
Take heart in knowing that the apparent madness of your preparation may become a badge of honor rather than a source of shame. Today’s foolishness may be tomorrow’s wisdom, and current ridicule may be preparing the way for future provision. Stand firm in your conviction, maintain your focus in preparation, and let time validate your foresight.
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day” (Proverbs 4:18, NAS). Keep walking your path of preparation, dear friend. The dawn will break, and your preparation will prove its worth.
