In the last chapter we learned that this nation is not IMMUNE to certain calamities such as WAR, SEVERE SHORTAGES, AN ENERGY CRISIS, ECONOMIC COLLAPSE and even GOVERNMENT OVERTHROW (page 55). Such things are certainly possible, especially if our nation continues to turn its back on God and ignore the warnings found In His Word.
If there really is a STORM or a DROUGHT coming, how can I prepare for it? As the song writer put it, "How can I face the coming days, the future dark, unknown? All steep and stormy are life’s ways, and I afraid, alone!" (compare Luke 21:26). As the world situation worsens, what should I do? How can I bravely and realistically face the problems of our day?
Unrealistic Solutions
(Escapism)
One very popular method of facing the crisis is not to face it at all! Every effort is made to divert the mind in order to escape from reality and to avoid thinking about the serious problems which confront me and my world. The object is to get the mind occupied with other things so that I do not have to think about the awful realities of our day. After all, who wants to think about such things as FINANCIAL TROUBLE, WARS, VIOLENCE, FAMINE, STARVATION and eventually DEATH?
The following is a list of some of the diversions arid pastimes which offer temporary escape from life’s realities. Some of these things are not wrong or sinful in themselves, but all of these things can be used to keep the mind from thinking about a very real world and very real problems:
Can you think of other diversions that people engage in to avoid thinking about the real world?
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Note: There is nothing wrong with healthy diversions and activities which may serve to rest the mind from the pressures and problems of life. Everyone needs this. The danger is when people repeatedly refuse to face reality in the right way and they use such diversions as an escape from their responsibilities before God and man in this world. Did Jesus teach that "escapism" was the real answer for the believer (John 17:15)? _______
There are others who realistically face the crisis--they see the problems and they recognize how serious these problems really are! They see the storm coming end they want to do something about it. They do not want to escape into an imaginary dream world. They want to SURVIVE! They want to conquer the crisis. Here are two ways that have been suggested for SURVIVAL:
Squirrels gather and store up nuts and other provisions for the difficult days ahead. In much the same way, there are some people who are storing up can goods and other necessary items so that they will survive when the disaster strikes. After all, 10,000 cans of peas should go a long way! This method is also called hoarding (having a hidden supply or fund stored up).
What do you suppose would happen if a devastating crisis did come and your neighbors discover that you have all the food?
Bobcats (also called Wildcats) inhabit the United States but they are rarely seen. They stay away from population, people and problems. They prefer to live alone, undisturbed by modern day society. They love to live in the wilderness!
Similarly there are some people who have headed for the wilderness, seeking to survive alone, without any help from modern society. Instead of depending on trucks or supermarkets, they depend on their own farming and hunting. For transportation, they merely walk or go on horseback as did the early pioneers. For energy they burn wood. Their desire is to return to the "simple life" and to become self-sufficient. They want to be able to live and function without being dependent upon outside help. They want to be isolated and completely independent from society and its many problems.
Questions:
Which man survived the great flood (storm)? _____________________________ What was the difference between the wise man and the foolish man? According to this passage, is it necessary for the flood (storm) to come? ______ Is it necessary to be destroyed in the flood? ______ Is it possible to survive? _____
What are some of the problems which are connected with hoarding (verse 19)? Does God’s provision and supply ever run dry (compare Philippians 4:19)? _____ Can God take care of the physical and material needs of His children? _____ What is the greatest "shortage") problem man faces (verse 30)? he lacks
What is the one thing the Lord tells believers to do in these verses (circle the correct answer):
In the next and final chapter, we will study how the believer can conquer any crisis God’s way. To do this you must not only face the reality of the crisis, but also you must face the reality of the God who is greater than any crisis you will ever face!
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