Saving for a Rainy Day

Saving for a Rainy Day

Often there is not a lot of our income left over to save for that Rainy Day, but as we are hearing reports of farmers turning under their crops and dairy men pouring out their milk and farmers destroying eggs, and a very possible meat shortage, this generates fear in the hearts of men and women. As believers we are urged by our Lord, NOT to fear, but to be wise, and consider making some preparations. 

It is time to cut our spending habits on things we don't really need and instead to purchase good staple food for your pantry.

As believers we have already made the ultimate preparation to secure our place in heaven, by receiving Jesus into our lives and he brings peace into our spirits and souls. We must also realize that today we live in a real world that is in turmoil.

The book of Proverbs urges us to use wisdom and prepare. Proverbs 6: "Go to the ant; consider her ways, and be wise. The ant has no chief, officer, or ruler, yet she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”

I am reminded in 1 Kings chapter 16 and 17, about Elijah and how God miraculously preserved him by daily sending a raven with bread in its mouth to feed Elijah as he sat by the brook for water. But the brook dried up so - - Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and there stay for I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” When Elijah arrived he found the widow woman as she gathered sticks to use her last bit of flour and oil to make a cake for herself and her son and then - - as she said, to die.  Elijah asked for a cup of water, then requested her to make him a cake first. The woman made a choice and a decision to honor the prophet and give him her all.  God blessed her for her obedience, and the flour and oil kept replenishing daily so that all three were able to eat simple pancakes for many days.

I have heard true reports of the Lord keeping a bowl of mashed potatoes full for many days, and also, a missionary reported her stew increased when company came unexpected. Another instance was a Christian youth gathering with sandwiches offered, but suddenly the crowd was doubled as more guests arrived. Prayer was offered to bless the food, and when all were served there were many sandwiches left over; just like the loaves and fishes.

God is able to multiply miraculously that which we have, however it is wisdom to prepare in advance when you are aware of what is happening and do so in what ever ways you are able.

We read in 2 Kings chapter 6 about the prophet Elisha who was under attack by a large army as they surrounded his home to capture him. His servant was afraid, but Elisha told his servant, there are more with us than is with them, and the servant could then see the army of God with chariots protecting him.

Elisha spoke over the soldiers to be blinded for a season, and then told the army of young men that they were in the wrong place and he would take them where they should be. Elisha then led the army into the city of Samara and when their eyes were opened they saw they were surrounded by the Israelite King and his citizens.

The king wondered if he should kill them, but Elisha said, No, do not harm them but instead give them bread and water. So they prepared a big feast for the enemy soldiers and then allowed them to return home.

As I considered this happening, I wondered; “Where did they get the food for a feast for that many soldiers? It occurred to me that perhaps they had a pantry or garage where they stored food for emergencies. It is good for us to stock our pantry these days.

In Genesis chapter 42 we understand that Joseph was a dreamer, and also an interpreter of dreams, and when the Pharaoh of Egypt had a dream Joseph was called from the prison to tell him the meaning. The message from the dream was both good and bad news and that the time was NOW. Joseph told the Pharaoh it is time to prepare now, because a famine is coming and it will be extremely bad times ahead unless you store away extra food.

They had 7 years to get ready, but we may not have that long. The food shortage lasted another 7 years, so the people found themselves pledged to accept bondage from the government.

We must understand that terrible times may come, and the Bible tells us that there will be offered to the people solutions to receive food, that may not be in the best interest of Christian believers.

All this information may cause fear in the hearts of many, but it is not a time to be afraid. It is a time to rejoice for our redemption draws nearer than ever before.

Understand that Jesus told us over and over again, not to fear the known and the unknown. Don't allow your imagination to run wild and create situations that are not there. Jesus reminded us in Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of it's own.

Be thankful for the Holy Spirit and understand that you are not alone. God will give us wisdom to make good choices and prepare our households the best way we can for hard times. This is the time that God is shaking our world and many are coming to Jesus. Continue to pray over our City, our State, our Nation and our World that those without Christ will repent and receive Jesus who is our life and he is more real today that he was yesterday.