We are living in an increasingly uncertain world today with unstable economies, job insecurity, dramatic weather changes, storms, floods, droughts, threats of earthquakes and terrorist activities. Because of our modern dependence on technology (electricity for cooking, heating and cooling, transportation and food delivery systems, community water supplies, etc.), all these events can bring serious disruptions to normal and necessary activities of daily life. The potential for disruption in the supply of basic necessities points to the need to plan ahead to meet unexpected emergencies.
This is reflected in the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared! This same advice is found in the Scriptures.
Solomon advised “Ponder the path of your feet”—think about where you are going and how you are going to get there (Proverbs 4:26). Solomon also observed “A prudent man foresees evil [danger] and hides himself [takes refuge], but the simple [naïve] pass on and are punished [face consequences]” (Proverbs 22:3; 27:12).
God’s Church has long encouraged members to prepare for unexpected emergences—keep an extra supply of bottled water, a stock of non-perishable food items, extra vitamins, first aid supplies, extra batteries for flashlights and a battery-powered radio, some matches and candles, and a camp cooking stove or heating device—things that may be needed if normal public services are disrupted.
While God’s people will look to God for their ultimate protection, we also need to do our part to be prepared!
