I sense it in myself, and I'm beginning to see it in others. If you're like me, you've been "in prepper mode" for the last six years. That's a long time; 2,190 days to be exact. We began this journey with the threat of an economic collapse, and the fear and implications of that possibility ... we started stocking up on food and essentials, in case our money became useless and inflation skyrocketed.
We fortified ourselves for a life that lacked the luxuries of 21st century living, and taught ourselves long-forgotten skills, and worked at adopting a new attitude towards "roughing it" without all the modern conveniences. That involved time and money; both of which were not in abundant supply at our household. But we took on the burden with an eye towards survival in difficult times.
Within a year or so, we all started hearing the whisperings of "Electro-Magnetic Pulse" and "Coronal Mass Ejection". Whether these events were to be caused by a foreign enemy setting off a nuclear missile in our atmosphere, or God sending a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields into space, it didn't matter. We began to prepare for a world without electricity and all the chaos that it would cause. More time and money were spent figuring out how to cook our food, run generators, deal with the heat of summer and the freezing temps of winter; how it would affect people with health conditions and how we would deal with the inevitable lawlessness as society degenerated into anarchy -- it was another worry added to our already heavy load.
And with the possibility of lawlessness, came a responsibility to ourselves and our families to be able to defend our homes and territory. The firearms industry saw a colossal increase, as Americans traded their shotguns and deer rifles for semi-auto rifles and pistols; and signed up in droves for tactical defense training. This became a whole new industry in itself. People realized that if you were going to carry a firearm, you owed it to society to be effectively trained in how to manage that weapon ... but once again, this duty required massive resources and time. And we all still had to live our "normal" lives, which included 40+ hour work weeks, after-school activities with the kids, and often-times, within the scope of spouses and family members that didn't approve of our "extracurricular activities."
New concerns about government over-regulation; anxiety over lax border security, and a slow and stealthy erosion of the Constitution has kept us on our toes over the last couple of years, but we have maintained our readiness and commitment to surviving whatever this world throws at us. And I'm proud of how well we've endured the weight of the extra pressure.
We shifted our priorities, settled into our new mindsets and lifestyles, and figured out a way to shoulder all the new obligations. Yes, it has taken a toll on us, but we have managed to keep it all under control, while staying alert and vigilant. We stayed as ready as we could be, and determined not to let our guard down.
Then this last year, the weight of it all has increased dramatically. We have the double threats of pestilence and terrorism in the homeland, and must figure out how to prepare for both these perils. Added to our burden is the difficulty in seeing them coming; which necessitates a state of constant vigilance and alertness. We are just about stretched to our limits. Both our mental and physical faculties are taxed, and we suffer further stress from family and friends who refuse to see the danger we face.
To be brutally honest, we're tired of carrying the load; we struggle against hostility towards others who will selfishly expect to benefit from our years of spending time, money, and hours of training and educating ourselves. We're weary of being ridiculed, while knowing full well that we will be expected to share what we have so painstakingly collected against that very day of trouble.
And I will boldly declare that I believe Christians carry a heavier load and level of fatigue. We are worn out from trying to apply Romans 13 to our Christian walk, and we feel a greater responsibility and duty to care for those who were not as farsighted as we. Unlike unbelieving Preppers, it will be difficult for us to turn away a starving child, or to refuse someone shelter or protection if lawlessness is ruling the day. We know that we are under the scrutiny of God, and we must obey His command to love others as He has loved us.
So, I wrote this blog post today, because I know if this journey is wearing on me, then there are millions who are sharing my state of mind. If you are mentally overwhelmed, financially tapped, and physically exhausted ... you're not alone. But we must not, and cannot give up; defeat is not an option. We were chosen for this time because our Maker knew He could count on us; He knew our steps would be sturdy and our pace would be constant. He knows we will be unmovable and unchanged in our purpose, posture, or position. We can handle the load and tackle the task. We will survive and overcome because our strength and perseverance lies in the Lord. And the best part? He's right beside us, sharing the load. Yes, we've been given a lot to cope with these last six years ... but too tired to go on? Not a chance! We've just been toughened and tempered for what lies ahead ... and we're ready, willing, and able!
Hebrews 12:3 "Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds."
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite verses. I feel the Lord has prepared me my entire lifetime, for these end times.
I too struggle with what my decisions will be when friends and families with children arrive at my home, when it all falls apart. Can I and should I, turn away hungry children and friends? What would Jesus do? What does he want me to do? As painful as it may be, I know there are some I will turn away because I have warned them for years and they have ignored my warnings, saying I have lost it. What about the innocent children, who are not able to provide for themselves? How can I look into their hungry eyes and say no?
I guess I will have to deal with these as they come along. Jesus does say not to worry about tomorrow, as tomorrow has worries of its own. God has always taken care of things I can't. When I grow weary, I lay it all at his feet and take refuge in him. He does bring perfect peace to those whos mind is stayed on Thee.
Thank you for your perspective ... I think it is important that we share our thoughts and emotions, and our conviction to remain true to our faith in these unsettling times. I'm sure your words will bring comfort and encouragement to others.
DeleteI take no joy in saying this, but fatigue is just part of the weeding proccess. That is very blunt, but it is a fact. Wasn't it Peter that said, " Better to have never know [Jesus] than to have known Him and turned back'. Yes, we are worn out at trying to hold our tempers when talking to people that don't understand our walk with Christ or why we prep. However, there is a biblical verse that helps me deal with this. It is not spiritual revenge it is just the way the Lord has to deal with some people, so here it comes. Paul, speaking of one of his helpers said, "I have turned him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that the Spirit can be saved in the day of Judgement". Now that is brutal also, but this is what we have to do with the nonprepper after teotwawki. Do we kill them, not hardly, do we feed them, absolutely not, we just ignore them and let them die of their own ill prepared devices. Yes that is biblical, for Christ said, "In your affliction you shall seek me early'. So while they are dying of starvation, choas, and disease then at least their souls will be saved. Sometimes you have to accept things as they are for these types of people that sincerely believe that everything will contiue to be ok will just have to learn the hard way. You cannot help them, don' try. thanks
ReplyDeleteThere is some truth to what you say, but as for me, I cannot turn my back on a fellow Christian, even if it costs me my life. I don't want to stand at the Great White Throne Judgment seat, and say "I didn't feed one of your children in his hour of need." Perhaps I can give him a slice of bread from the loaf I baked that day, and send him on to the next Christian to help him. I agree that we will not be able to harbor everyone, but Paul says in Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
DeleteThese will be difficult times to be sure, but we are to endure through all trials and tribulations, never forsaking our faith. I pray that I will show the courage of my Lord when the time comes to make these hard decisions.
I certainly don't mean you any disrespect so please don't take this as such, but we lived through way too much of the "I am a believer therefore you must help me mentality" in Sudan and other places around the world. For the most part Christians did attempt to help themselves, but some would not, and those are the ones we refused to help. But we respect your opinion and each has to do as they feel led to do. Personally, for all the hard talk I do it will be very difficult if not impossible to turn away infants and small children simply because their empty stomach is not their fault, but rather the fault of their parents. Either way let us pray we both make the first and better resurrection and not the Great White Throne Judgment. That's scary. thanks
DeleteYou have not offended me at all! In fact, I totally understand your mindset. God has made each believer to live in harmony within the body of Christ, "so that all the members care for each other equally." (1 Corinthians 12:25). So when a part of the body doesn't participate, it affects the well-being of the entire body, right? Your point is well taken, and I thank you for your gracious comment.
DeleteWell said! I couldn't agree with you more! The whole time I was reading, I felt like I was reading something that I wrote myself. It's very encouraging to hear that other Christians are going through the same struggles, and are closely aligned in their views. Thank you for your blog; I recently discovered it and really enjoy reading your articles. God bless you my friend!
ReplyDeleteMARANATHA!
Watchman73
www.bythebloodofthelamb.wordpress.com
bythebloodofthelamb73@gmail.com
Thank you! And I just checked out your website, and am very impressed. I added it to my queue, as well… like you, I find it encouraging that Christians are speaking out on all issues. While this is our temporary home, we should speak into this sinful world and glorify our God. I'm happy to have found you and welcome your insight!
DeleteMoses preached for 120 years. In the end no one was on the arc but he and his family with people beating on the door that GOD Himself had closed. They were not let in. They had their chance and chose for themselves and their children. Sadly we do make choices that affect for our children. I cannot feed everybody I know and I don't believe HE expects us to.
ReplyDeleteI am trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide me when that time comes. And I'm sure you it, but it was Noah who built the ark.
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