Spiritual Preparedness For Perilous Times

Second Timothy 3:1-5 says, “Understand this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power.” Combine all of above with the anticipated dramatic changes in governments across the globe, especially in the United States, as well as the other world events happening, and you have a recipe for disorder and destruction, not only after the elections but also continuing on into the future.

I recently came across an article listing ten things to do to prepare for what lies ahead. The list included self-defense of one’s family and property, filling up all vehicles with gas, home security, extra food, water, and medicine, and having large amounts of cash on hand, among other things.

As important as these things are from a practical and physical standpoint, there are things to be prepared for spiritually. I have compiled a list of ten.

1. Be sure of your eternal salvation (I John 5:13).
2. Consistently read and meditate on the Bible (II Timothy 2:15).
3. Endurance (Matthew 24:13).
4. Stay true to the faith (I Timothy 4:1).
5. Prayer (Luke 21:36).
6. Don’t be weighed down with the cares of the world (Luke 21:34).
7. Realize we are involved in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18).
8. Be involved in a local Bible believing church for the support and encouragement from other believers. You will not be able to go it alone (Hebrews 10:25).
9. Stay informed as to what is happening with Bible prophecy, especially with Israel.  There are three types of people in the world, those who are making things happen, those who are watching what is happening, and those who don’t even know what is happening. That might sound funny, but it so true. You don’t want to be in the last category. When people are not in the know about what is happening they will believe whatever they are told.
10. Rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance. James A. Durham writes, “It is important to understand that your natural eyes cannot see all you need to be aware of in these perilous times. You must trust the Lord and believe all He has promised in His word. Always remember that faith is a power gift from the Lord and the good news is that He wants to give  you all you need…Understand this: the Holy Spirit will ‘tell you things to come.’ This is your sole source for the truth about what is to come in the last days. Ask now and prepare for all He reveals to you. Amen?” *

Many people and families do not have the financial means to buy all that may be needed to be fully prepared. We must do the best we can, and rest on God’s grace for what we are unable to do. No matter what comes, heed the words of Luke 21:34-36. “Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” and “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in anything by your opponents”(Philippians 1:27-28).

*James A. Durham, Perilous Times, A Prepper’s Guide To The Last Days, Destiny Image Publishers, 2018, pages 112 & 118