Shelter in Place

Last week I listed seven end-of-days destinies mentioned in the Bible. Today, I’ll talk about a different possibility for survival. It’s much riskier.

Sheltering in place is a decision that many people make in preparation for things unexpected. They see the condition of the world and feel their security is threatened. There is no question that many liberties we once had are eroding in the USA. Those of us who have lived here for a long time know this from first-hand experience. Today’s generation does not have that knowledge of loss and are unaware of the gradual changes.

You may have done some prep work for various reasons. It could be in anticipation of possible flooding, tornadoes, civil unrest, or the end of the world. The extent of your preparation might be as little as carrying a grab-n-go bag in your vehicle in case of emergency or laying in a little extra food and water for an occasional power outage. Some of you may have gone so far as to buy a place of shelter that is off-grid and self-sustaining.

All these reasons are worthy. One does not know what the future holds. My parents went through the “Great Depression,” and they had first-hand experience growing up in a family of nine with next to nothing. It wasn’t the “Great Tribulation,” but a deep lack that told them, “You don’t want to do this again.” To hedge against that want, they grew a garden and canned its produce. They saved everything for reuse and raised animals for meat.

Like a pregnant woman who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth, so were we because of you, O LORD; we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen.

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.

Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.Isaiah 26:20 KJV

For behold, the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain. Isaiah 26:17-21 ESV

The scene above is set at the end of days with “my people” present and living among sinful earthly inhabitants. We, His people, are told to hide ourselves while He punishes the unrighteous among us. This event depicts both salvation of the obedient and destruction of the disobedient at the same time.

In our blog we discuss the Bible’s teaching about a place of refuge during the tribulation and encourage you to prepare now for that event. But, you may say, “I can’t do that,” and list several reasons why; “I can’t because I don’t have the money.” “I don’t want to leave my children or grandchildren.” “I have to care for a sick loved one.” “My spouse won’t go.”

We only see in a straight line— not over hills or around corners. We don’t know anything beyond this moment. Since our sight and knowledge are only for the now, we look elsewhere to better anticipate the future, such as the Bible, trusted friends, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. You probably do something similar to move forward.

If for any reason you do not accept this message at this time, please make it a matter of earnest prayer. Circumstances change when we pray and work toward a goal. Until you are able to act toward a move to Jordan, make plans now to shelter in place.

For coaching on this subject, look online. Here are some things to consider. The first four are in rank order of their importance, and I address them minimally. There is much more information available. Ask Dr. Google. With each category, you may want to start with the simple and graduate to the complex.

Shelter

Without adequate shelter, your life could last only a few minutes. Consider the weather, then use layers of clothing to best adjust to the need. After that, move up to a tent, recreational vehicle, or house.

Water

Without drinking water, you can live about three days. There are many needs for water— cooking, cleaning, and a multitude of other things. Good filters are also a high priority. It’s heavy to carry, so be prepared to go places where you can resupply.

Food

Is it possible to fast forty days without food? A few have done it. But you will not like it. Keep a good supply. Freeze-dried or dehydrated foods are lighter and last a long time without refrigeration. They should be a part of your provision.

Security

A friend teaches that the first line of defense for security should be bug spray and a fly swat. Think about the diseases that can come from mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders. Other threats may be animals, snakes. . .or even friends. For these you’ll need your wits and maybe something more lethal such as a club, knife, hand gun, shot gun.

Friends could be your enemies but, in most cases, they are a great asset to survival. A community is even better. Start with the ones you know and trust. Then expand to your neighbors and those with whom you work or meet frequently.

Tools

Evaluate your need to maintain the most important things: shelter, water, food and security. After those, select your tools based on the other things you must have for survival.

Transportation

What do you have now? Animal, car, truck, skateboard? Remember the need for gasoline, oil, tires, and maintenance. Think of your animal’s needs as well.

Currency

You will need a medium of exchange. Initially, have something you can lay your hands on close by, not in the bank or safe deposit box. Remember, “Cash is king.” It’s the most usable. You may want some silver, gold, skill, and barter items.

There are many more things you can add to this list. Whatever you decide, do something now toward your shelter in place. Even if you can’t prepare to move to Jordan right now, these actions may sustain you until your circumstances change.

The call to action is to decide what you would do if all conditions were met.

• Assess your situation
• Pray
• Prepare to see it happen.

If you think camping will be necessary in the great tribulation, you can get great experience at the annual Biblical Feast of Tabernacles in the fall. It’s too late to register for one this year, but you can plan to get on board for the next one. Certainly, camping anywhere and at any time of the year is a good idea, too. You cannot learn most of the important things until you just do them.

Al