How can Christians prepare for the "famines and earthquakes" mentioned in this verse? Setting the Scene “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:7) Why Jesus Told Us in Advance • To keep us from surprise and panic (John 16:4) • To stir sober watchfulness and hope (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6) • To move us toward active obedience, not passive fear (Luke 12:35-40) Heart Readiness • Cultivate unshakable trust: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) • Anchor identity in Christ, not possessions (Hebrews 10:34) • Keep short accounts with God and others (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 4:32) • Fill the mind with Scripture now, so truth governs reactions later (Psalm 119:11) Daily Spiritual Disciplines • Regular worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Persistent prayer for steadfastness and wisdom (Colossians 4:2) • Practicing generosity before crisis strikes (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) Biblical Precedent for Wise Planning • Joseph stored grain for seven years, “so that the land may not perish in the famine.” (Genesis 41:36) • The ant “stores its provisions in summer” (Proverbs 6:6-8). • The early church sent relief to Judea when Agabus foretold famine (Acts 11:28-30). Practical Physical Preparation • Maintain a sensible reserve of food, water, and basic supplies—prudence, not panic (Proverbs 21:20). • Secure safe shelter and first-aid resources; learn basic skills such as water purification and simple medical aid. • Keep important documents and a small emergency fund accessible (Proverbs 27:12). • Develop a family communication and evacuation plan; review periodically. • Balance preparation with trust—“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Community Focus • Build strong relationships within the local church; crises reveal the strength of shared faith (Acts 2:44-45). • Identify vulnerable members (widows, elderly, single parents) and assign point-persons for their care (1 Timothy 5:3-8). • Coordinate skills and resources—some cook, some repair, some counsel; all serve (1 Peter 4:10-11). Financial Stewardship • Live below means; avoid bondage to debt (Proverbs 22:7). • Diversify income streams when possible; “in the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). • Give firstfruits to the Lord; generosity loosens anxiety’s grip (Malachi 3:10). Witness in the Midst of Upheaval • Offer calm, Christ-centered assurance while others despair (Philippians 4:6-7). • Share tangible aid along with the gospel (James 2:15-16). • Display hope that rests on a kingdom “that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). Looking Beyond the Shaking • Famines and earthquakes signal birth pains, not the end itself (Matthew 24:8). • Final deliverance is sure: “He will wipe away every tear… and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4) • Therefore, “be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) |
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