
A Storm is coming… Here in Hawaii, we have been seeing extraordinary storm formations within the pacific ocean this hurricane season. I am fortunate to have a nephew who calls or texts me whenever there is an approaching storm. He also informs me about the specific details of the storm. This is so important as sometimes I get so involved in our ministry that I don’t even know that a storm is coming. This warning action of my nephew reveals that he loves me because he wants me to get ready.
In the same way, we know from Bible Prophecy that a storm is coming. Things in this earth are not getting better. In fact, it has come to the point where the news is so bad, that I don’t even want to look at all the negative things that are going on out there. I have enough negative things going on around me to worry about. In fact, just thinking about my own problems and challenges can at times be overwhelming.
But, as important as it is in knowing all about the approaching storm, it is even more important to know how to be personally prepared for the storm.
I’ve learned from taking the disaster preparedness course at the Red Cross that we should always be prepared for a disaster so that we can then be an asset rather than a liability.
I’ve also learned that it is very important to have an Emergency Preparedness Kit ready so that we can take it with us whenever evacuation becomes necessary. For often times when a disaster hits and evacuation is required, you don’t have time to sit down and think of what you would need in order to survive, or even enough time to gather what you know you need!
I’ve also learned that in preparing for a storm, it is best to board up the windows with plywood, have sufficient amounts of drinking water and food, and have a generator on hand.
So knowing that a storm is coming is critical, but knowing how to prepare for a storm is just as, or even more critical. In fact, just knowing that a storm is coming but not knowing how to prepare for it can be very scary.
In the same way, another storm is coming, which will be unlike anything this world has ever seen. And knowing that it is coming, and talking all about how it is coming, and learning all about its specific details is needed.
But, even more important than this is knowing how to get personally ready for what is coming, so that we can then get our hearts and minds ready for the approaching storm.
While stockpiling physical supplies can be wise, another type of preparation is equally important: spiritual preparedness.
What does it mean to be spiritually prepared? It’s about being ready, not just for the earthly challenges we encounter, but also for the spiritual battles that come our way. It’s about building a solid foundation in our faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ taught the importance of spiritual preparation through parables like the wise and foolish virgins. The wise virgins were prepared with oil for their lamps, symbolizing their readiness for the Lord’s coming. In contrast, the foolish virgins were unprepared and missed out.
In the Bible, we find guidance on how to prepare spiritually. Ephesians 6:11-17 speaks of putting on the armor of God to withstand spiritual attacks. This armor includes faith, righteousness, the gospel of peace, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
A key aspect of spiritual preparedness is spiritual growth. This involves developing a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father, seeking forgiveness, and aligning our lives with God’s plan. It also means cultivating spiritual gifts and talents, which are given to believers through the Holy Ghost.
In times of hardship and disaster, spiritual preparedness becomes even more critical. While temporal supplies are necessary for physical survival, inner peace and resilience come from a strong spiritual foundation. We can navigate life’s storms with faith and courage by staying connected to God through prayer, scripture study, and obedience.
Our world is broken… So much suffering. So much that doesn’t make sense. This brokenness has led to the many conflicts and broken relationships we’re seeing and experiencing, not only in our world, but in our Church. There are people walking around wounded with no faith and no hope of healing or who don’t even realize that they need healing. But thank God He has given us His healing love, so that hurting people can be healed through this love!
Won’t you join us in personally preparing for the approaching storm, by experiencing the healing we need in our lives.
-Keala
