Spiritual Prepper
During the current virus crisis, many are looking to prepare themselves physically for the worst-case scenario. “Preppers” is the term given to these looking to prepare for future times of need. This week I was thinking of some prepper time items, and was reminded of our need to be spiritually prepared. I saw a correlation between many prepper items and the Bible- God’s Word- the book that will help us be fully prepared as a “Spiritual Prepper.” Here’s my list:
-Food - Having extra non-perishable food at home is always a good idea in preparation for an emergency or crisis. Jesus says in John 6:51 “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” Jesus gave Himself to us as nourishing food that we are to intake. Revelation 2:7 says “To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.” God has provided for us, and desires for us to be able to eat of His tree of life in Heaven- and how wonderful that fruit will be! 1 Peter 2:2 encourages us to “…long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” May you taste of His kindness even amidst uncertain times!
-Water - If you rely on electricity to deliver water into your home, then you would be wise to have some extra water on hand in the case that the electricity goes out. John 4:13-14 to the woman at the well Jesus said “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” Drink deeply from the water of Jesus, and may it satisfy your thirst!
-Ability to start fire - Having matches or a lighter on hand is a must for a prepper. I am reminded of the Biblical imagery describing God as a “Consuming fire.” Deuteronomy 4:24 says “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” God is your creator, He is jealous of you, and wants you to want Him! The book of Isaiah describes God’s judgment as a consuming fire. All the evil in the world will one day be completely consumed by His awesome fire. In Hebrews 12:28-29 again God is described as a consuming fire, this time as a reminder to worship Him with reverence.
-Cutting tool - A sharp knife can be a very valuable tool to have in times of need. Hebrews 4:12 tells us “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God’s word effectively cuts in multiple directions, may it convict and carve out any way that is not right in us.
-Flashlight - What a necessary tool to be prepared for darkness! Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” John 8:12 Jesus describes Himself saying “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Psalm 27:1 David writes “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?” A light can be shining, but we do have the ability to cover that light. May we not cover His light by any of our actions. A light can also be pointed in different directions, to shed light in certain places, and leave others still hidden in darkness. Allow the lamp of God’s word and the light of Jesus to shine brightly in every area of your life!
-Cleaning supplies - In seeing or hearing about empty shelves at the stores, we’ve all witnessed how important cleaning supplies are to people during a crisis such as this. The idea of cleansing is a common thread throughout the Bible, here are two of my favorite verses on cleaning: 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” And Ephesians 5:25-27 “…Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”
In the days ahead, I strongly encourage you to be a spiritual prepper. Take this season of uncertainty as an opportunity to dig in closer to God who is still in full control. Set up new habits. Walk with Him in new closeness. As work schedules alter, as parents juggle kids being at home, as social interaction becomes limited- get creative in how to grow and be prepared spiritually for whatever tomorrow may hold. Lead your family with renewed passion for the Lord.
Keep in touch with your connect group. Spend time as a family, as spouses, with a friend, or as an individual worshipping to some of your favorite worship songs or hymns, praying, reading through a passage of scripture and discussing it. Catch up on any messages online you may have missed at GBBC. Listen to or read from other solid biblical teachers like Chip Ingram, John Piper, John MacArthur. While we are not meeting together, attempt to make Sunday morning still a special dedicated time of focus on the Lord. I’ll continue to be in touch via telephone, our website, and Facebook- but please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Ultimately, we know the victory belongs to Jesus and His followers: Jesus says in John 16:33 “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” And Jesus wants us to be overcomers with Him- 1 John 5:4 tells us “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” Jesus still wants to build His church even in this season of life, and He promises that the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (Matt 16:19)