Rumors of Wars, Famines and Earthquakes
“And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” (Matthew 24:4-8)
The intent of this article is NOT to focus upon wars, famines, earthquakes, birth pangs, the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, or Christ’s second coming to earth. The purpose of this article is to motivate each one of us to be financially proactive regarding potential disasters, no matter what the cause or source.
There are numerous “end times” Bible prophecies and passages. However, think for a moment about all our current, and increasing, local and world issues. Today, they include: Covid-19 and variants, vaccine related controversies, racial and political turmoil, heightened weather-related catastrophes, increased lawlessness, the war in Ukraine, threats of cyber-attacks, news of potential chemical warfare, inflation, stock market volatility, increasing interest rates, pending tax rate increases, and the rising national debt. I’m sure you can add to this list.
In light of all these current issues, two valid financial questions can include:
Do we and our family have any realistic formal “disaster” financial plan?
What would be wise and prudent to initiate and act upon to be better prepared for some type of disaster?
Obviously, no one can be totally prepared or protected. However, which of the following questions strike a chord, and prompt us to take needed action steps?
What career related decisions do we know, or even suspect, we need to initiate or act upon?
In what aspects should our insurance policies be updated, or coverages changed?
How much, and how can we increase our “emergency” savings?
How can we accelerate or pay off any remaining debt?
What changes in our investment portfolio would be wise at this time (i.e. stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.); and in keeping with increased inflation?
What’s our game plan if power, water or electricity were shut off for a season of time? Those people and families who have experienced floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and fire, can give us first-hand experience and counsel regarding such matters.
What would you do if your bank doors were closed and all the cash machines didn’t work; whether for a week, month or longer?
What cash and other items should we have set aside in a safe place? Also, do we first need to establish such a “safe place” and how convenient is it?
Should we have any precious metals (gold, silver, etc.) in our portfolio? Should any of these precious metals be close by should cash become unavailable, or of no or diminished value?
How well are any important documents protected, and if needed, accessible (whether originals or copies)?
Do we need to better prepare for the practical matters of stored food, water, medical supplies, toilet paper, etc. (Covid certainly enlightened us regarding some of these practical matters)?
What would we do if we saw lawlessness quickly escalate due to a catastrophe?
What would happen if we had a temporary cyber-attack that impacted our daily life, family dynamics, or business operations?
In what ways did this list of questions impact our current thinking about being prepared for some form of disaster? What items and “to-do’s” should be added to this list? What do we already know we need to complete right away? What keeps us from taking steps toward being better prepared long-term?
Further on in the 24th chapter of Matthew, it advises us to “Be Ready for His Coming”
“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:42-46)
None of us know who or what will come first; some form of disaster, or Christ’s return for His Church? Regardless, let’s purpose to be better prepared, and then strive to be found to be faithful and sensible “stewards”; of all that God has entrusted to us here on earth.
Keep our eyes looking to Christ and His word for answers, not to men and the world. To Him be the glory!
P.S. If you think of other preparation items to add to the above list, please text or email us, so we can add them. We also know from first-hand experience that “disaster” preparation is usually not quick or easy. It seems to be a perpetual moving target and often unfinished goal. So do what you can, pray over what you can’t do, and then look to the Lord as the only true source of deliverance.