© 1999 Discerning the Times Digest and NewsBytes

"Imagine that in the dead of winter you lost all your electrical and gas power, your phones did not work, there was no tap water, and when you left your home, stores and banks were closed." What would you do if this really happened, not just for days, but for several weeks or months?

This scenario isn’t being painted by a wild-eyed doomsayer, but by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) who is a member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem. While Senator Collins qualifies this gloomy scenario by stating the Y2K problem will not be this serious, she raises an interesting challenge. What would you do if this really did happen?

Christians usually don’t want to deal with crises anymore than non-Christians so they take a bury-my-head-in-the-sand approach hoping it won’t happen. Ted Wright, author of Family Disaster Preparedness warns that the singular effect of even a minor activity that disrupts can be magnified all out of proportion and its effects often result in panic and unnecessary risk taking. Being unprepared is a needless second disaster that can be avoided.

By being prepared, all the surprise, anger and fear of what "might have" taken place is removed! Therefore, triumph, replaces gloom in any post disaster scene. Conversely, the greatest risk that can be taken is not taking any action at all!

The first area to prepare is our thought processes. Who do we really trust? God or the government? Jesus calls us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33, KJV) Likewise, Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts God’s people to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV).

Trusting in the Lord does not make the problem, pain or physical discomfort go away, but it will provide the strength you need to get through the problem, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Trust also permits access to God’s peace, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:28, KJV) True peace can only be found by focusing on Christ, not the circumstances of life.

Governments can and will fail us. God does not. Scripture memory is vital. Philippians 4:8 tells us to dwell on what is good, right and just. If we’ve not committed Bible verses to memory, how will we know the hope that is within us? In a prolonged disaster not only are verses a comfort to your mind & soul, but a point of connection with those of like mind so that you can work together to help others, rather than needing help from others.

Physical preparation of food, water and other essentials can also provide peace of mind. Proverbs 22:3 cautions "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." The idea that "God will take care of me" and that preparation is unnecessary is unfortunate. Those that adhere to that mindset may be denied the opportunity of being used by God to reach out to their communities with the hope of Christ. Tragically, they may be part of the problemm, not the solution.

Two months of food, water, medicines, feminine goods, and other essentials are recommended. Don’t forget alternative sources of heat and electricity. Whatever you buy over the next eight months, buy the equivalent of another week’s worth each month and you will have two months of essentials in reserve.

Don’t forget alternative sources of heat and light. If you don’t have the space or funds, do what you can and God will honor it to meet your needs. If Y2K turns out to be a non-event, you can still use what you have already purchased. Preparation is a win-win opportunity for each of us to be the light on the hill spoken of by Jesus. V ms