How can we prepare for "great earthquakes" and "famines" in today's world? The Promise and the Warning “ ‘There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.’ ” (Luke 21:11) Jesus speaks these words not to frighten but to ready His followers. Troubles will come, yet He remains sovereign (John 16:33). Practical Preparedness • Cultivate wise stewardship. “Go to the ant, O sluggard; observe its ways and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) – Keep modest stores of water, shelf-stable food, and basic medical supplies. – Learn basic first-aid and home-maintenance skills that help after a quake or during shortages. • Maintain financial margin. “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” (Proverbs 21:20) – Build an emergency fund; avoid debt where possible. • Safeguard your home. – Secure heavy furniture, know gas shut-off points, and have an evacuation plan for earthquakes. – Grow a small garden if possible; develop simple food-preservation skills to offset famine or supply disruptions. Spiritual Preparedness • Stay rooted in the Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Daily Bible reading keeps perspective when the ground shakes—literally or figuratively. • Practice persistent prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7) – Bring concerns about disasters to the Father; receive His peace. • Strengthen faith through obedience. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – Living out what we learn develops resilience before crises strike. Community Preparedness • Commit to fellowship. “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Churches become hubs of relief when disasters hit; relationships formed now bear fruit later. • Share resources. “Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18) – Pool tools, skills, and supplies with trusted believers; no one family can anticipate every need. • Serve the vulnerable. “Defend the weak and the fatherless.” (Psalm 82:3) – Prepare extra so widows, orphans, and neighbors experience Christ’s love through practical aid. Hope Anchored in Christ • Remember God’s protection. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth trembles.” (Psalm 46:1-2) • Look for the eternal kingdom. “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this manner, what kind of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” (2 Peter 3:11) – Earthquakes and famines remind us this world is temporary; our true security is in Christ’s unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). By combining prudent action with steadfast faith, we stand ready—calm, generous, and hopeful—no matter what shakes the earth or empties the pantry. |
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