5 P’s to Biblical Preparedness: Biblical wisdom for stockpiling and preparedness:
“Through [skillful and godly] wisdom a house [a life, a home, a family] is built, And by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],” (Proverbs 24:3)
Step 1: Prayer & Thanksgiving:
i. Prayer should be the starting point for everything we do. When we pray, we align with what God has planned for us. He tells us what to do.
ii. When we give thanks for things we do not have, we act in faith. And because of our faith, we are healed and provided with what we need if it is in the purpose of God.
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18)
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
Step 2: Plan:
When we plan, involve God from the get go so that He will direct us into His perfect plan for our lives.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Step 3: Plant
This involves actionable steps to the plans you made before. We don’t just plan and leave it there. You plan and do something about it. Whether this involves planting, saving, investing or Biblical trading etc. Remember to plant in unwavering faith and believe that it is done.
“For which one of you, when he wants to build a watchtower [for his guards], does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to finish it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is unable to finish [the building], all who see it will begin to ridicule him” (Luke 14:28-29)
“Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, [be diligently active, make thoughtful decisions], for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even [divide it] to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle with your hands in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening planting will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, 6)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
Step 4: Pause & Reflect:
When you wait on the Lord, He gives you the strength you need. When you wait on the Lord, you walk in His timing, path, plan, and the purpose that he has for you. Reflect on the things God wants you to do. Realign if you have strayed.
14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
10 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31-41:14)
22 “The smallest family will become a large family group. The smallest tribe will become a powerful nation. When the time is right, I, the Lord, will come quickly. I will make these things happen.” (Isaiah 60:22)
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Step 5: Profit & Praise:
As part of your Praise for everything God has blessed you with. That overflowing cup don’t forget to give Tithes and giving God your first fruit. And give to the needy and the poor. And for the expansion of God’s kingdom.
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a fewa things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’“ (Matthew 25:21)
16 ”Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says Yahweh of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and empty out for you a blessing until it is beyond enough.”
(Malachi 3:10)
“In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
9 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ” (Philippians 4:19)
10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Deuteronomy 8:10-14)
Shalom.
Thank you, Jesus,
Following His ways,
Natasha Chetty.
