Noah, The Original Prepper

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you-should-know-about-noahs-ark.aspx

There are advertisements everywhere about being ready for a catastrophic event.  It seems at least once a week there is a commercial on television for large quantities of food stuffs, all prepared and packaged for the purpose of survival.  Families are re-learning the process of gardening; and planning for the big natural disaster, since grocery stores, even if only being threatened with a good snowstorm are plummeted with shoppers who clear the shelves of everything in sight!

Some might describe “prepping” as big business and that might not be too far from the mark, although there actually may be such a need for this kind of preparation.  At an expo about “prepping” in this area, survival shelter plans have been presented that have the potential to help functionality for up to 200 years!  

Others are creating “homesteads” and going “off the grid,” in an effort to leave behind all the hustle and bustle of city life and “normality” as we have come to know it.  This requires time, a bit of funds and lots of planning, but it can be done successfully.  It is often heralded (and rightfully so) the healthier alternative, both physically and emotionally.

Those who were once considered fanatical for “prepping” and fearing the world ending from some catastrophic event, there is a shift.  It is not only the “common man” or uneducated person preparing for something big to happen, however un-likely.  Highly educated people like lawyers, doctors and “high-end” professionals are also seeking the resources necessary to be prepared should there be a terrorist strike, natural disaster, war, loss of a job, or other circumstance that would require self-sustenance over a long period of time. 

As Believers, we see the end of time through the information afforded through God’s Word.  As prophesies continue to be fulfilled, we recognize events that are closing in on Christ’s return.  Preparing for a catastrophic event is not a ridiculous idea, since the “end times” assure us we will be facing persecution and troubles as the day draws nearer.

What’s interesting in all this is to recognize that “prepping” is not a new idea.  Noah might be considered the “world’s first prepper.” Consider that he was given a directive by God to build a big boat before it had ever rained!  Not only did he have to build this boat, he had to collect two of each animal, for an undetermined length of time!  It’s reasonable to assume that after he corralled all the animals on his boat, he also had to have enough water and food to feed all those critters plus his own family!

Joseph was yet another Biblical hero who found it necessary to “prep” for an upcoming drought.  God told Joseph, Pharaoh’s dream meant seven years of plenty to be followed by seven years of famine.  After explaining to Pharaoh this event, Joseph prepared.  He gathered and stored provisions for people across the land to sustain them for the upcoming famine.

I encourage you to consider the idea of “prepping.”  What does it mean to you? The “end times” are drawing nearer. God expects us to have prepared hearts, and given his examples through Noah and Joseph, it may not be such a bad idea to be somewhat prepared externally, as well.