Today, I spoke with someone about the direction the entire world is taking. I shared with this person that we are to expect these things to happen and not be fearful.
There is a heaviness in the air these days.
You can sense it in conversations at the grocery store. You can hear it in the tone of the news. You can feel it in the uncertainty of families trying to plan for the future. There is a growing awareness that something is not right — morally, spiritually, economically, and socially.
Scripture tells us not to be surprised.
Jesus said plainly:
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
— Matthew 24:44 (KJV)
Notice He did not say, “Be afraid.”
He said, “Be ready.”
There is a vast difference.
Chaos Is Not Accidental
The Word of God warns of a time when moral confusion would reign.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil…”
— Isaiah 5:20 (KJV)
We are living in days when righteousness is questioned and sin is celebrated. Truth is redefined according to cultural convenience. What once brought shame now brings applause.
Jesus also warned of “distress of nations, with perplexity” (Luke 21:25). The word perplexity means no clear way forward — leaders unsure, systems unstable, people anxious.
Paul wrote:
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith…”
— 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)
Departure from sound doctrine, compromise in the Church, spiritual confusion — these are not accidents of history. They are signs of a drifting world.
But chaos in the world does not mean chaos in the believer.
God’s People Are Not Appointed to Panic
Paul reminds Timothy:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
A sound mind means steadiness. Discipline. Stability.
When the world trembles, the Church should not.
The early Friends often spoke of the inward Light bringing clarity when the world seemed dark. The believer anchored in Christ does not move with every cultural wind. We are rooted in something eternal.
Spiritual Preparation Comes First
Before we talk about food storage, finances, or practical concerns, we must ask a deeper question:
Are we right with God?
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
Preparedness begins at the Cross.
If your heart is not settled, no amount of preparation will bring peace. But when your soul is anchored in Christ, you can face uncertainty without collapse.
Paul tells us to:
“Put on the whole armour of God…”
— Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)
We are told to stand. Not to retreat. Not to surrender. Not to rage.
Simply — stand.
Practical Preparation Is Biblical
Some believers react strongly against any talk of preparation, as though prudence is a lack of faith. Scripture says otherwise.
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself…”
— Proverbs 22:3 (KJV)
Joseph stored grain before the famine. That was not fear. It was wisdom.
Paul writes:
“But if any provide not for his own… he hath denied the faith…”
— 1 Timothy 5:8 (KJV)
Providing for one’s family is not paranoia. It is responsibility.
Practical preparation may include:
- Reducing unnecessary debt
- Strengthening family unity
- Deepening community ties
- Learning self-reliance skills
- Being prepared for temporary disruptions
Preparation is stewardship, not hysteria.
Emotional and Spiritual Stability
Psalm 46 has always steadied my heart:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed…”
— Psalm 46:1–2 (KJV)
Though the earth be removed.
That is strong language. The psalmist envisions total upheaval — yet declares, “We will not fear.”
Why?
Because our refuge is not the economy.
Not government.
Not institutions.
Our refuge is the Lord.
If Persecution Comes
We must also be honest. If moral decline accelerates, faithful Christianity may not be applauded.
Jesus said:
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33 (KJV)
The Church has thrived in harder soil than ours.
Prepared believers are not bitter believers. They are courageous and steady.
Why Preparation Matters
Preparation is not about hiding.
It is about helping.
When chaos deepens, people look for stability. If believers are panicked and disordered, what testimony do we offer?
But if we are calm, prayerful, prepared, and generous — we become light in darkness.
“Let your light so shine before men…”
— Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
The darker the night, the brighter the candle.
The Ultimate Readiness
There is one preparation above all others:
“…the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night… Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:2,6 (KJV)
The greatest event on the horizon is not economic collapse or political instability.
It is the return of Christ.
If we are ready for Him, we can face anything.
A Country Preacher’s Final Thought
Now is not the time for comfortable illusions.
Now is not the time to drift.
Now is not the time to assume tomorrow will look like yesterday.
It is time to examine our hearts.
Strengthen our homes.
Deepen our faith.
Prepare wisely.
Stand firmly.
Not in fear.
But in faith.
“Be ye therefore ready also…”
— Luke 12:40 (KJV)
And may we be found faithful — steady when others shake, hopeful when others despair, prepared when others are surprised.
That is not panic.
That is obedience.
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