We are living in challenging times, perhaps more challenging than any time within the past five decades. Because of this, it is essential that we equip ourselves with practical steps to ensure our survival, mentally, physically, and spiritually. While I have never been a doomsday prophet, we cannot ignore the unsettling shifts in our society and the potential threats they pose to our well-being. Therefore, we must take action to ensure that we are equipped to face these challenges. That is the responsible thing to do. One of the vital steps we can take is to prepare ourselves mentally for what lies ahead. Far too often, we fail to prepare for the things worth preparing and find ourselves in dire need because of it. The bible tells us to consider the ant in this matter.
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer or ruler, she prepares her food in summer, and gathers her sustenance in harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8
The world is increasingly volatile, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the unknown. However, it is crucial to remain positive and hopeful in the face of adversity. We must develop mental resilience to deal with the uncertainties of the future. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can help us maintain a positive outlook and cope with stress. But we must take action steps sooner than later.
Times Ahead Will Be Hard
We must also prepare ourselves physically to weather the coming storm. The potential food shortages and decreasing dollar value require us to be proactive about our well-being. Learning about nutrition and adopting healthy eating habits can help us build stronger immune systems and avoid diseases that can be caused by unhealthy food options. Additionally, we can plant our gardens to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce. With the likelihood of food shortages and some products’ unavailability, we must also stock up on non-perishable food items like canned food and dry goods.
We must prepare ourselves spiritually. In times of crisis, it can be easy to lose our connection with God and become disillusioned. We must remain grounded in our faith and turn to God for strength and direction. We can practice disciplines like prayer, meditation, and fasting to deepen our spiritual connection to God. Additionally, we can form communities with fellow believers for emotional support and accountability.
These are challenging times, and it is essential that we equip ourselves with practical steps to survive the coming days. Mentally, we should develop resilience to cope with uncertainty, physically, we must adopt a healthy lifestyle and prepare for potential food shortages. Spiritually, we must remain grounded in our faith and maintain our connection to God for strength and guidance. By taking these steps, we can ensure our survival and overcome the difficulties that lie ahead. Even more so, we must look at others, people of faith from the past who have showed us by their examples how to weather some of the most tumultuous storms that life has ever brought us. Knowing what God did through them and how they lasted despite all odds can reassure us that no matter how bad things look, that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Corrie ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom is a remarkable example of a brave woman who survived extreme challenges by relying on her mental, physical, and spiritual strength. As a Dutch Christian, she and her family hid Jews during the Nazi occupation of Netherlands. The Gestapo arrested and imprisoned her in 1944. She endured horrible conditions in prison but refused to let her spirit be broken. Corrie used her faith as a pillar of strength and trusted in God’s plan for her life.
While in prison, Corrie ten Boom suffered immensely, but she never gave up hope. She endured internment in a concentration camp, and the loss of family members who died from maltreatment while in German custody. Not only was she arrested by the Gestapo, but her father, brother, and two sister were as well, after discovering that they hid Jews in their family home. Her father died in prison, and she and her sister were transferred to the Ravensbruck concentration camp, where her sister eventually died. Corrie ten Boom was miraculously released in late December of 1944.
Most people could have never endured such pain. However, Corrie ten Boom was able to maintain her mental and emotional strength by relying on her faith. Corrie was repeatedly interrogated and terrorized, but through it all, she continued to stand firm in her faith in God. Her unwavering trust in God helped keep her strong and equipped her with the inner fortitude necessary to survive.
In addition to her mental and spiritual strength, Corrie also relied on her physical strength to survive. She had a positive attitude even when subjected to inhumane conditions. She used her physical strength to assist others, including her sister, Betsie, during their horrific imprisonment. By focusing on her physical well-being, Corrie was able to draw on this strength to endure the daily challenges she faced.
Corrie ten Boom’s story is a testament to the power of faith and strength during challenging times. Her courage and perseverance in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all. If God had done it for her, surely, he can allow us to triumph as well. By following her example, we can learn to rely on our inner strength to overcome whatever challenges we may face.
A Man Sold into Slavery
The Old Testament story of Joseph is a powerful example of how faith, strength, and perseverance can lead to triumph in challenging times (Genesis 41). After being sold as a slave by his own brothers, Joseph was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream about the seven years of abundance and famine in Egypt. He advised Pharaoh to store up grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of scarcity. Pharaoh listened to Joseph’s advice and appointed him as overseer of the project. Joseph’s discernment and wisdom allowed him to survive and thrive in Egypt.
Despite facing adversity and betrayal, Joseph never lost faith in God’s plan. He trusted that God was with him and would protect him, no matter what he faced. His unwavering faith and trust in God were the source of his strength during his toughest moments. He relied on God to guide him through his journey and emerge victorious.
Joseph’s story teaches us that being prepared for difficulties is key to survival. By wisely preparing during times of abundance, we can adequately armor ourselves for times of scarcity and unexpected challenges. Joseph’s proactive approach saved Egypt from famine and provided food for his family and the entire nation. We too can follow his example and take measures to prepare ourselves for whatever the future holds.
Through his story, Joseph reveals that God can turn challenging circumstances into vehicles of triumph. He went from being a slave to becoming second in command of Egypt, a testament to God’s grace and empowering potential. Joseph’s story demonstrates that even during the darkest moments when we feel hopeless, God can provide a way out. If God did it for Joseph, surely he can do it for us too.
Joseph’s story teaches us that we can survive and thrive in difficult times by trusting in God. We must remain steadfast in our faith, prepare ourselves for challenges, and remain vigilant in the face of adversity. By following Joseph’s example and putting our trust in God, we can emerge victorious from even the toughest of circumstances.
New Beginning
In these trying times, it’s crucial that we equip ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually to overcome any challenges we may encounter. In such unprecedented times, it’s easy to become anxious and overwhelmed about what the future holds. Therefore, it is vital that we take proactive steps to ensure that we are ready to face whatever lies ahead.
One of the essential steps we can take is to be mentally prepared for what is to come. The world today is increasingly volatile, and it’s easy to feel hopeless and anxious about the unknown. However, it is critical that we remain positive, hopeful, and resilient in the face of adversity. To achieve this, we must become mentally strong. Why? The first area that the enemy will try to break you is in your thoughts, your mind. By building mental resilience, we can confront and overcome difficult situations that we may face.
In addition to mental preparation, start making small changes in your physical preparedness. We’ve already lived through forecasts of food shortages. We’ve already been duly warned about the declining value of the dollar. So, we have to become proactive in our approach. Learning about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and regular exercise can help us build stronger immune systems and avoid ailments. Additionally, backyard gardening, stockpiling food, and other measures can help ensure that we have access to fresh and healthy food in times of scarcity. I personally know many people who’ve already started this process and it’s going quite well for them.
Most importantly, spiritual preparation is crucial in these trying times. When the world feels uncertain and overpowering, it’s easy to lose faith and become cynical. However, we must remain connected to God and stay grounded in our faith. We can achieve this by increasing our prayer life, meditating on the Word of God, and fasting. Additionally, joining being a part of like-minded communities of worshippers can provide much-needed support and accountability.
Let’s recap.
- Develop mental resilience through trust in God’s plan for your life. And live in a place of gratitude.
- Take care of your physical health through nutrition and exercise, honoring the temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Trust in God’s provision and provide for your family through gardening and stockpiling food.
- Stay grounded in faith through daily scripture reading, prayer, worship, and praise.
- Join supportive communities of believers to offer emotional support and accountability.
- Gain practical knowledge and skills like first aid, carpentry, and gardening to serve others and share Christ’s love.
- Know that this too will pass. And trouble won’t last always.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, September 8, 2023