PREPARATION BEFORE THE STORM

DAY ONE

Scripture for Today

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.”— Proverbs 31:21, KJV

The first thing Scripture tells us about this woman, when winter approaches, is not what she owns. It tells us what she does not have: Fear. “She is not afraid of the snow.”

Why? Not because the snow will not come. Not because the temperature will never fall. Not because hardship is impossible. No. No. She is not afraid because she is prepared.

The Snow Still Comes

An important spiritual principle is at work here. Faith does not necessarily remove the approaching season. Faith prepares us to walk through that season with God because faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The winter will still come. The snow is still going to fall. The temperature will still drop. Unexpected circumstances will arise. But there is a tremendous difference between encountering a difficult season completely unprepared and entering it after prayerfully doing everything within our reasonable ability to prepare.

The Proverbs 31 woman shows us faith with foresight. She does not say, “God will provide,” and then neglect what God has already placed in her hands and within her ability. Neither does she say, “Everything depends upon me,” and live in anxiety.

• She works faithfully—and trusts God.

• She plans adequately—and trusts God.

• She gathers abundantly—and trusts God.

• She prepares wisely—and trusts God.

That is biblical stewardship.

Preparation Is Not Fear

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”— Proverbs 22:3, KJV

The prudent person foreseeth. That means he recognizes what is reasonably approaching and acts accordingly. This is exactly what the Proverbs 31 woman does. Winter is predictable. We know the winter can bring icy rain, sleet, and snow. Therefore, she prepares for winter. Children grow. Therefore, she anticipates clothing needs. Don't wait until the first snowstorm to see that your child needs gloves. Cold weather requires heat. Therefore, she considers fuel and heating arrangements ahead of time, along with backup heating options in case of severe power outages. Homes require maintenance. Therefore, examine windows, doors, roofs, heating equipment, and other necessities before severe weather arrives. This is not panic. This is wisdom in preparation.

The Lesson of the Ant

Scripture directs us to one of God's smallest creatures for a lesson in preparedness:

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”— Proverbs 6:6–8, KJV

The ant understands seasons. There is a time to gather. Sometimes gathering becomes harder in different seasons. Therefore, the ant uses common sense. He uses the season of opportunity wisely. The Christian household can follow the same principle. Do not wait until the first snowstorm to discover that the children have outgrown their boots. Do not wait until the severe cold to discover a major draft in a window. Do not wait until the woodpile is nearly empty to begin thinking about firewood or propane. Do not wait until an emergency to discover that basic household necessities are unavailable. Use the summer to prepare for the winter.

Start Several Months Ahead

A wise winter-preparation schedule may begin months before cold weather. During spring and summer, consider:

• What clothing will each family member need?

• What have the children outgrown?

• What can be repaired?

• What needs replacing?

• What can be purchased during seasonal sales?

• What heating maintenance is needed?

• How much firewood or other fuel will reasonably be required?

• Are windows and doors properly sealed?

• Are blankets and bedding adequate?

• What household necessities should gradually be accumulated?

Gradual preparation is often far less financially burdensome than emergency purchasing.

Prayer Belongs at the Beginning

Before making lists, begin with prayer.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”— Proverbs 3:6, KJV

Ask the Lord these important questions:

• “Lord, what does my household need?”

• “Where are we vulnerable?”

• “What should I begin preparing now?”

• “Where are we wasting resources?”

• “What can be repaired rather than replaced?”

• “Where can I obtain what my family needs?”

• “Give me wisdom to distinguish between necessities and wants.”

  
  

  Preparedness begins with acknowledging God.

Today's Principle

Do not fear tomorrow. Faithfully prepare today and trust God with what you cannot control.