A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


May 22, 2012

How Deep Is your Larder; How Strong Is your Faith?

     For the last couple of years, the number of people who have been moved to store additional food has increased by leaps and bounds.  For some of us, the 2008 economic downturn triggered the realization that "a rainy day" was just around the corner, and we should be setting aside extra food "just in case".  In the ensuing years, more people have become convinced that this rainy day was not only possible, it was certain; and we are all going to get soaked!  Whether it comes as a full-blown economic collapse, a terrorist attack, a solar flare/EMP event, or a wave of civil unrest brought on by all three, we have stocked our larders in preparation.
     So how have we carried out these preparation measures?  In my own case, I started with buying extra canned goods at the grocery store, labeling them with dates so I could keep track of the history of my purchases.  I wanted to make sure that as I added to my inventory, I used older food items and replaced them with new ones.  Anything that could spoil was used and then replenished, or thrown out.  I also made sure I had plenty of staples like toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, bandaids, shampoo, etc.
     I then stocked up on bulk items like flour, sugar and salt.  Then I bought long-term provisions like beans and rice, and stored them in food-grade buckets to last us over long periods of time; items that were foundational and sustaining.
     The other day, as I was reviewing my inventory of stored food, it struck me.  Just as persistent as I am about scrutinizing my larder, so should I be about examining my faith.  Do I have the beginning elements of my faith intact?  Do I truly believe and proclaim the One True God, the Holy Trinity and Christ's death and resurrection for the atonement of all mankind's sins?  Have I maintained those roots of my faith; building on them, and renewing their authority in my faith life, always careful to throw out any tenet that took away from this Truth?
     Do I practice the staple (or basis) of my faith, which is to love my God with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength, while loving my neighbor as myself?  Have I stocked up in bulk with the fruits of my faith like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?  I surely will not be able to survive the coming hard times without a generous portion of these preservatives.
     And finally, for my long-term faith needs, I must store up all the memories of the times God has been faithful and provided in my past. It will be these life-sustaining affirmations that will last me for the long haul.  I will need to remember that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He never changes.  Just as he nourished me in the past, during difficult times, so will He do in these latter days.  His faithfulness to His own is the foundation of my ability to endure.   He will feed my soul and be the supplier of my provision.
     If you are a Believer, I urge you to replenish your repository of Faith.  Make sure you have the essentials and the foundation for an eternal life.  And if you are skeptical of God and His authority in this world, I implore you to seek Him.  All the money in the world and a storeroom of food will not guarantee that you will ride out this storm.
     I have always been frank and unapologetic about my Christian faith, and I must tell you that I am feeling a tremendous urgency to persuade you to act quickly.  Do the simple things that will help your family to come safely through the approaching storm, like buying extra food.  And then look deeply into your soul.  Ask God to provide and protect.  And then thank Him for all He is about to do.  May the storehouse of your faith be full and overflowing.

Psalm 31:19     "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you."
 

4 comments:

  1. good post!
    Cynthia

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  2. I second that.
    For me, BR, I am at a point in time when I am edgy, both of what may come, fear of the unknown, and of upheaval right where I live, with things being very unstable and uncertain. I am asking for guidance and comfort as I right now, do not know where to turn.
    I am trying to also stock my pantry, with very little money, so I am buying very staple items and then as I can, add some of the medical, and personal items as I can. I need to re-stock as I have heavily dipped into my pantry, which I have been so blessed to have in the first place.
    Great post!

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  3. I'm a new "preper"who has begun gathering foods, personal items, firstaid supplies etc. When I started making my check lists to purchase, BIBLES were on that list. In times ahead, Bibles may be hard to come by. I have no doubt we will meet people who need a meal & encouragement.... & God's word. I want to be able to share it when people will need it most.

    Those of like mind.... you can purchase Bibles on sale. Many times for $5 each.

    Thank you Belle for your encouragement and for sharing your knowledge & your heart.

    **TXRosie

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  4. loving your blog, keep it up, as always!

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