The Prudent Person

It’s not anyone’s job to predict the future. That’s called divination. (Leviticus 19:26) However, we are supposed to be prepared for the storms that can happen in our lives.
Think About it:

The purpose of preparing is not just to protect yourself, but to help others also. This will ensure your peace of mind and confidence while others are experiencing fear and anxiety.
 

A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naïve proceed and pay the penalty. Proverbs 27:12

The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naïve go on, and are punished for it. Proverbs 22:3

The prudent person is this:

"O naïve ones, understand prudence; And, O fools, understand wisdom. " I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And I find knowledge and discretion. Proverbs 8:5, 12

The prudent person is proactive because they seek wisdom and have the drive to study how to protect themselves. 

The naïve are foolish and tend to do what the masses are currently doing. They react after the storm has arrived.

They perish because they are not prepared. Most of them are so accustomed to having “extra” that they tend not to think of planning for disasters.

Some have the mindset that "Everything will work itself out, eventually, so we don't need to worry about it. Let them deal with it..."

Look at it this way: When disaster strikes a country, everyone is suddenly in need of help at the same time. It now becomes the order of importance in the government, corporations, churches, and individuals on who they will assist-from the most important to the least important. Where are you in this scenario?

Yes, friends will help you in a time of need, but will make sure their immediate family is taken care of first before giving to you in a time of crisis.  By no means is this wrong, but it's human nature.

Think: If everyone is having trouble at the same time and you did not prepare, how long will you be waiting for aid? Could this be hazardous to you and others around you? Isn't it in everyone's best interest to be prepared and able to help others in their time of need?

In other words, don't get complacent or simply wait on others to do what you can do now.

Remember what John F. Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Hoarder or Preparer: Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

What's the difference between the two?  Both are taking the same approach, but one is doing it in fear and the other is doing it in caution. Hoarders typically look out for self while Preparers look for security and others!

The Covetousness of the Rich Fool

Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”  And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.  And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’  But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself,
and is not rich toward God.”

Luke 12:15-21

The Law of Love

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.  Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

Luke 6:35-38

It's important to determine your "why" when it comes to preparing. Are you going to be the one who helps or hides? If you are going to help, here are some practical things you should look into:

Spiritually & Mentally
 
When disaster happens, emotions tend to run wild and we are more vulnerable to making bad decisions. But being mentally and spiritually prepared will better equip us to help others in the time of need.

 Water

Learn how to store water based on the size of your family. One or two gallons of water per person is a great place to start. Also, look into getting a water purifier to have drinkable water in case the water becomes contaminated.

Food

Look into freeze-dried, canned goods, rice, or wheat.

Medical supplies

Prescriptions and first aid kits.

Gas

Always keep at least a half gallon in the tank and store at least 2 gallons just in case you are unable to reach any gas stations.

Shelter

Having a designated place to stay during trouble times is key.
 
Money

You should always make it a priority to have money on hand just in case the system is down and you cannot access the ATM or bank. This can be in the form of cash, silver, or gold.

This was just a small sample of what can be done, but you can always gain more information from others who are more experienced in this subject.  Become a light to others in their time of need by being in a position to help your neighbor. Remember that light is most effective in darkness...

The Good Samaritan

Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.  And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.  On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said,
“The one who showed mercy toward him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”

Luke 10:30-37

By learning how to prepare now, you will be in a better position to help others in your community.  You can network with like-minded people to possibly form a neighborhood group to assist others.  This can also help local churches and other organizations to make sure they're  prepared to assist: single parents, severely sick, handicap, elderly, and orphans during downtime.

Having the proper planning, supplies, and skills in place can go a very long way in a time of trouble.  Make a plan today to help yourself and others before disaster strikes.