There is a lot of talk these days about survivalism. However
you feel about it, merit can always be found in preparing ahead for hard
times. Having gone through an ice storm
several years ago, we were thankful we had extra food in the cabinet so that we
didn’t go hungry, for we literally could not get out of our driveway for days!
Our electricity was off for a week and we had to resort to techniques for
healthy living and cleaning that were beyond the norm. I heated water in the fireplace and washed
dishes at the sink. We heated our food
at the fireplace as well. We lived
downstairs and slept on pallets while closing off the upstairs. Literally going
to the bathroom was about like going to the old fashioned outhouse – it was
cold and we had to carry a flashlight! We also had to learn how to entertain
ourselves! We still had two kids at home who were not having fun. We learned
that you don’t have to have the TV on 24/7.
We played card games and board games. I put together a lot of
puzzles. We talked to one another and
reminisced and laughed a lot! We had time for one another and the things that
meant so much to us.
Now, we didn’t have to suffer at all really, but it reminds
us that when God allows us to go through hard times we can be resourceful and
seek His face. That if we should need to stand for our faith or go through
truly hard things, we can do it with God’s help.
I admit I am no expert on the subject of survivalism, but I
know one thing – God’s promises are for His people. In good times, they are a
reminder to walk with Him. In bad times, they are a source of comfort to seek
His face. In times of plenty, He warns us through His Word not to forget Him.
In times of hardship and want, He reminds us in His Word to trust Him. Should we prepare ahead? Absolutely, for
God’s Word tells us so.
Oh beloved, do you know how to survive? Are you struggling
with what if’s and if only’s? Are you concerned that when things get hard you
won’t have enough or that you won’t know how to make it? Maybe you think you
might have to suffer and you don’t know what you’ll do. Run to the Lord this morning and let Him set
up your survival skills! His Word has marvelous biographies of heroes of the
faith who were victorious in battle, courageous in the face of incredible
obstacles and fearless in the days of famine, peril and war. Although they went through hard times, they
were triumphant for their destinies were set by the Lord.
You are a survivor! You will overcome by the blood of the
lamb. You will be victorious because it is through God you will do valiantly.
He will tread over your enemies. He will make a way where there is no way. He
will care for you just as He cared for Sarah and Joshua and Joseph and Daniel. Everywhere
you read in the Bible there are wonderful accounts of champions of the faith. Look to the ultimate heroes of the Word of God
and see – no one who trusts in the Lord will be disappointed for His
everlasting covenant of grace surrounds those who put their trust in Him!
Always remember that God loves you and has a marvelous plan
for your life. When you seek His face first and become a proponent of His ways,
He will guide you, He will instruct you, and He will watch over you and keep
you in His arms all the way to Heaven! Now that’s worth preparing for! That’s
worth praising His name!
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is
my God, and I will praise Him— my father’s God, and I will exalt Him!
Jude 1:24 Now all glory to God, who is able
to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His
glorious presence without a single fault.
Isaiah 51:12 I, yes
I AM the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither
like the grass and disappear?
Jeremia 17:7 But blessed are those
who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
