Preparing for Tribulation
There are many questions surrounding Tribulation and Christians often ask if they need to prepare and if so what does it look like? I can say without hesitation that yes one must be prepared; as was Noah in his time. He followed the Lord’s command and as a result was prepared. Apostle Paul also warns about being prepared in and out of season.
During the time of Tribulation not being able to make purchases we must have our homes protected so that we are able to endure such time. We should as Believers wait until its too late to begin preparing as we already have examples to follow in God’s Word. The Book of Proverbs provides much for us as we examine one tiny little ant. In Proverbs 6:6-8 it reads,
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
The ant demonstrates the ability to think not just about the fleeting moment but rather toward what may be ahead. As such we must as well.
Let’s examine what we may need during the time of Tribulation; knowing that as you pray and ask for the Lord’s leading your list may vary although these may be some foundation items that are necessary.
1- Water. Of course everyone needs water so this goes without say. If you start now stocking up on water then you are set for drinking but what about the rest of your life? What about showering, cooking, or anything else. Don’t you need to be able to flush the toilet so you may need more water? If you have the drinking water do you really want to pour that down the toilet? The large blue containers you can fill up with a few gallons of tap water and then store them in the garage so you have something. You wouldn’t want to store your drinking water in the heat in the garage as it will only take more like plastic than it already does. Berkey water filtration systems are also available for a reasonable price online.
2- Canned goods and Food. Of course you have to eat and because you may not have electricity or know when it will be restored you definitely have to plan. What is your daily food consumption now? How long will the food in the refrigerator and freezer last? How would you prepare it? I was told years ago to take old water bottles and fill them with water but not all the way full and then store them in the freezer for occasions just like this. Perhaps a few MRE’s and other items should be accounted for before it’s too late. Foods high in protein and require no cooking are the most obvious. Plan for additional foods for the children and infants in your family. Not only this; how often do people eat out of boredom? Planning now will help you know what you have so your level of irritability won’t be so high. Rice and beans are obvious options; although they will deplete your water so be mindful of every ingredient needed.
3- Paper items. Toilet paper, napkins and other items are good to have on hand. Because water supply is limited doing dishes won’t be easy using paper products can serve the purpose. If count for how much toilet paper you use per month then perhaps an extra month supply would be good. Obviously if you are single you use less than a family of five; and that is the last thing you want to run out of. One opened item of anything is never enough! If you are the one with toilet paper it too can be used to barter for items you may not have.
4- Protection. It’s wise to be able to defend yourself in all seasons. Keeping current with firearms training and having ammunition is just prudent. My CHL is current and being proficient in using it doesn’t take much time out of my life. It’s just one of those things that is no different than taking care of the laundry. While some may say Christians and Bibles don’t go together; history reveals that our forefathers carried their firearms to church with them. And regardless of who does or does not believe; I will stand protected in the manner in which is most suitable for me. Prayer is obvious although a nice Springfield is something good to have on hand.
5- Toiletries. As I said before an opened anything is never enough. Are you at the bottom of the shampoo bottle? Last roll of the toothpaste? What then? Relying on others may not be the wisest choice; time to start walking in a new level of prudence. How terrible would it be to not be able to brush your teeth for a few days or weeks?
6- Lighting. Candles of course can work just great; but how many would you need to use for light and warmth? When I look around my home I see 30ft ceilings which means all the warmth going everyone else except to me. I would need to get creative with where I would spend my time because I obviously don’t want to waste my candles. My personal idea is pretty simple. My bathroom is a decent size and is closed in so it would make the most sense to set up shop in there. I would set up an air mattress in the bathtub and that room would be the warmest with less heat escaping. Sitting on the air mattress also gets me off the floor. Because my dining room, kitchen, living room; and bedroom all have windows using candles simply would not be the best option. Additionally; any light that is viewed from the outside can cause you to be a target from the undesireables. GE sells the LED lanterns that take D batteries so for 20 bucks I have light and with my candles have warmth. Don’t forget the matches or lighters. I have a fireplace that was one thought although the bathroom would still provide better options for longer warmth. Start looking at what you have and what you can do with what you have; and how to make what you have fully operational when you need it.
7- Pet food and supplies. You can’t let your pet go hungry now can you? Of course mot! The Olive needs her food too. How much does your pet consume daily? What about flea, tick or heart worm medicine? Having these items on hand will only help you better protect your animal. Perhaps a few extra treats or raw hide bones would serve as a distraction from the situation. You may also think about a dog sweater or sweatshirt. While most with the purse dogs spend more on these items; your lab or Great Dane deserves one too!
8-Prescriptions. While it’s easy to call the pharmacist to place the prescription order on most days; during Tribulation that option won’t exist. Not only this; you most likely wouldn’t have phone service to make the call or be able to get to that location to purchase it. Having enough supply on hand is wise as you would have to have your mother or child suffer those consequences!
9- Extra glasses or contacts. If it’s dark and you lose a pair of glasses now you are stuck. Stuck using your light to go search in the cold of the night to find them when if you had an extra pair in an easy to find location you would be just fine. This is one thing on my list without a doubt! I’ve never lost a pair but that doesn’t mean an extra pair wouldn’t be beneficial. I’m also learning that too many things that can be done tomorrow can wreck havoc on it too!
10- Blankets. If you happen to be like many bachelors you may just have your sheet and comforter that you sometimes use; or even perhaps you have the old quilt from someone years ago. Having enough blankets to keep you warm is a definite! If you hold up in one room you can always use one at the base of the door to keep any heat from escaping. My favorite is my down comforter; although I have two other bed sets and numerous other blankets that I have picked up along the way. This one item that can definitely serve it’s purpose. Of course if you have the sleeping bag that you use for those hunting excursions those will work just fine.
11- Generator. Sure you may not want to spare the expense of a few hundred bucks and no one blames you. For those who like to really be prepared it may be the best way to go. While others may be suffering; those with the generators wouldn’t lose any power so perhaps it is something to consider.
While we know God always provides and He did so for the Israelites; although they were traveling. Many today will not be and will need enough to care for themselves. It is up to each of us to get with the Lord and inquire what He knows you need. We can learn in scripture in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that a man who doesn’t work doesn’t eat; and one who doesn’t prepare now probably will starve during Tribulation.
So long as you start now in building your faith, your time in His Word; and your relationship with Him you will survive. The time now that you have must be spent with the right mindset for a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Remember that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and any way he can deceive you he will. Do not be deceived but rather be strengthened in your faith, in your mind and in your body so that you can endure to the end and be saved as Jesus says.
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