Disaster Preparation – Not of Faith?

Q. Isn’t preparing for disasters and monetary crises a form of not trusting in God’s provision for us? Should a Christian even bother to prepare for hard times? Won’t God take care of us?

Y2K or 9/11 Foolishness?

Thank you for asking this question. Many Christians feel that disaster preparation means we are not trusting in God. For example, those Christians who prepared for the Y2K computer crisis were soundly ridiculed or chastised by those who did not.

Yet, within less than two years our government warned all of its citizens to prepare for disasters due to 9/11 and the threats emerging from terrorists. Our government even set up a website devoted to helping Americans to prepare: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/kit-print.html.

Those who had prepared for Y2K didn’t look quite so foolish then because many of the precautions against a computer failure or EMP attack equated to disaster preparation suggested by the government post-9/11. Even our government had warned Americans to prepare for Y2K. But, after 9/11 it took on more urgency.

God can Speak to us through Authorities

We need to let go of the heated conflicts which developed in the church prior to and post Y2K. This is because one of the ways God speaks to us or counsels us is through those in authority over us. See Romans 13:1-6 and 1 Peter 2:13, for example.

Romans 13:1-2 says, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.”

1 Peter 2:13 tells us to Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. …Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor” (2:13-17, HCSB).

Presuming upon God

Peter’s advice is especially astounding since the Emperors were not exactly “Christian-friendly” people! Nevertheless, we need to consider that equating preparation to not trusting God is to presume upon God – especially when God commands us to obey those in authority over us.

Department of Homeland Security

Clearly, the United States Department of Homeland Security is telling citizens to prepare for terrorism or natural disasters. We do not need to go overboard. But, it may be prudent to prepare for lean times.

Joseph’s Example

It is helpful to remember that Joseph prepared Egypt for a coming disaster and saved his nation and his own family in the process.

Is it possible that God is preparing His people for a coming disaster through the Department of Homeland Security? If we obey our government are we obeying and following God’s instructions?

In other words, faith is not foolhardiness. God gives us the wisdom to take precautions through the advice of those in authority over us. We would be wise to heed and take the advice of our government.

Scriptural Principles

If you have acquired the basic preparations suggested by the Department of Homeland Security, here are some Scriptural principles to remember:

We do not need to live in fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (ESV).

God will continue to supply for us what we need. Philippians 4:19 says…“my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus told us, “Therefore…do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matt. 6:25).

Jesus went on to state that “your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of god and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:32-33).

God determines when we live or die – not the terrorists. Psalm 31:15 says, “My times are in Your hand.” Psalm 139:16 tells us that “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Finally, remember that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

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Suggested Resources:

The Holy Bible – your favorite translation.

Ready America. Available from: www.Ready.gov: Printable Get-A-Kit. Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit.