Preparing for Crisis Times

"Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it."

Prov. 8:33 (NIV)

Hurricane season is here, and the 2010 Atlantic forecast is "active to extremely active" according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Local leaders encourage citizens living in coastal areas to prepare early using a hurricane safety checklist.

I begin my hurricane preparations each spring. I pick up a few extra cans of non-perishable food items every time I grocery shop. I stock up on bottled water, and make sure we have plenty of batteries and other necessary items.

For what do you need to prepare? And what action do you need to take?

After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams regarding famine, God gave Joseph insight to prepare for the impending crisis. Joseph advised Pharaoh to put a wise, discerning man in charge over Egypt, to appoint commissioners to collect a fifth of the harvest during the seven years of abundance, and to store up the grain to be used during the seven years of famine. God determined (directed, arranged, established) the famine (Gen. 41: 32). Nothing could be done to stop it. Because Egypt followed instructions during the good years, huge quantities of grain were stored up. When the severe famine came, Egypt had plenty, and other nations journeyed there to buy food, including Joseph's family (Gen. 46).

Noah prepared for the flood by believing and obeying God (Gen. 6:22). Queen Esther listened to wise counsel, fasted and prayed, and took courage before approaching the king (Esther 4 & 5) on her people's behalf. Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26), and then went humbly and obediently to His death (Phil. 2). Believers are to abide in Christ, so that when He returns, we will be confident and not ashamed (1 John 2:28).

How do we prepare for unavoidable disasters? Let's be women who listen to wise counsel, are courageous and obedient, meditate on God's Word, and pray continually! And let's encourage and pray or others to prepare as well.

Pray for each other, our families, and our nation:

• Teachable Moments- Psalm 34: 11
• Trust and Obey God- Psalm 31: 14; Psalm 119:17
• Wisdom- Proverbs 8: 33

Lori