Hurricanes Ian and Nicole hit the Florida coast forty-three days apart in 2022. Since I experienced both, I quickly learned the importance of being prepped and ready with multiple backup plans.

Pre-prepping for a hurricane requires collecting shelf-stable groceries, buying a large supply of safe water, fueling vehicles, and stashing some cash. Additionally, we needed all life’s important paperwork gathered and near us. 

As an actual hurricane approaches, we move the outside furniture in. Dining umbrellas can become javelins. We secure heavy plants in a quiet corner, hoping for the best. We then engage hurricane shutters, fill bathtubs and buckets with water, and place flashlights and candles within a hand’s reach.

Here’s the thing, though. We must decide to prepare.

Hurricanes give plenty of warning but often change their course. That reputation tempts people to gamble with the prep. But dire consequences beyond inconvenience and discomfort—like loss of property and life—can await those who fail to prepare.

I recently watched the newer Left Behind movie with friends. As a teen, I was constantly concerned about the rapture. But I have not thought much about it for most of my adult years. Watching the movie caused a renewed catch in my chest. The rapture is coming.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

~1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NLT

We’ve heard forever that this impending event was coming. It’s easy to gamble on it not happening in our lifetime and choose not fully to prepare. But we have been warned.

No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

~Mark 13:32 NLT

We must prepare with intentionality and then stay prepared. When the rapture occurs, special shutters, bottled water, and extra flashlight batteries will not help. Instead, consider the following simple checklist:

Have you invited Christ to be your Savior?

Have you confessed all your sins?

Do you need to forgive anyone?

Are you loving others well? (Jesus would say, Are you feeding my sheep?)

Missing God’s big finale extends way beyond some inconvenience and discomfort. The rapture is for real. The end of the world as we know it is not something to gamble on or ignore. Are you prepped and ready?

What are some ways you can fully prepare to meet God?

Dear Father, help me to prioritize Your second coming in my life. Help me not only to prepare myself but also to invite and encourage others to be ready. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Prepped and Ready: Cynthia Mendenhall: All Rights Reserved