Unprepared

We get PSAs that warn us to be prepared. There might be an emergency; be prepared. FEMA offers an Emergency Preparedness Checklist so we can be prepared ... for anything, apparently. Earthquakes, floods, disasters of all kinds, and now, particularly, prepared in a COVID world -- disaster upon disaster.

What about us? What about us believers? Are we prepared? "What emergency?" you might reasonably ask. We have been warned that "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Tim 3:12) "Oh, that," many American Christians respond. "Don't worry; we won't be persecuted." If you try to warn American Christians about this, you'll often get ignored, shushed, or even ridiculed. "Don't be silly."

Okay, fine, but Scripture is not ambiguous on the topic. Beyond that Second Timothy reference, John wrote, "Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:13) Peter wrote, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Paul wrote, "To you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." (Php 1:29) Over and over God's Word tells God's people that they will suffer. So maybe you'd like to blow it off, but I'd recommend against it.

If we are to take this seriously, how would we prepare? Repeatedly we are told that we can rejoice in suffering (e.g., Rom 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). We can rest not in personal comfort, but God (Rom 8:28-29; Psa 34:19; Rom 8:18; 1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 4:12-19; 1 Peter 5:10). Paul wrote, "This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Cor 4:17) We are promised a crown (James 1:12). We are follwing Christ (1 Peter 2:21).

Burying your head in the sand probably isn't the best way to prepare for the tribulations we are promised. So prepare. Read God's Word. Know what God says about it. Know the God who says it. Before it happens, be ready for it to happen because we can be sure it's coming, but we can also be sure that God is faithful, and He is our ultimate preparation.