Prepared for the Worst - Martin Wiles

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 22:3 NLT

An ominous forecast awaited, so we prepared.

The weekend forecast depressed us. We had planned a camping trip with friends, but it appeared if we went, we’d sit under a canopy the entire time. So, we canceled and rescheduled for the next weekend at a different place—in the mountains.

As the next weekend approached, the forecast disappointed us again. While rain and storms were not forecast to last the entire weekend, Friday was scheduled to be a violent day. So, we prepared. Arriving late Thursday evening, we began our attack on the approaching bad weather. We staked down our tents, closed the windows, and zipped the door. We erected a canopy over our eating area and strung a large tarp over our sitting area.

Early the next morning, two hours before daylight, the storms approached. Our preparations wouldn’t keep us dry, so we decided to take a ride to a nearby town and spend the day looking around in stores. When the storms passed later that afternoon, we’d return.

As we made our way back, we wondered what we’d find. Had our preparations been enough? As we drove down the road to the campground, we encountered a line of cars. A swollen creek had washed away the road. But the sheriff’s department was making plans for campground visitors to use an alternate route through a gated neighborhood.

After an hour's detour, we arrived at our campsite. We surveyed the damage. Because of our preparation, the damage was minimal. Only a small amount of water coursed in our tents. We retightened the tarp and dried off our food goods. Preparation had saved us.

The wise king spoke well of preparation, too. According to him, if you know danger is coming, take precautions. Otherwise, we will suffer the consequences.

Opportunities for preparation abound. Preparation can keep us from financial and relational ruin. It can also mean an enjoyable retirement. Even now, I’m planning for my retirement, which is only three years away. Preparation leads to better grades in school. Many hands also make for lighter work. The list is endless.

But our greatest need for preparation concerns eternity. Jesus will come again—whether at our death or at His Second Coming. Recognizing our sin, repenting, and inviting Him into our life prepares us for His return and our eternity and gives us the most fulfilling life we could ever ask for.

Don’t be a simpleton, failing to prepare for what you know is ahead. Prepare now.

Prayer: Father, we trust You to show us how to prepare for the things that come our way.

Tweetable: Have you prepared for the worst? 

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