Prepared!

The past few weeks have been a wake-up call to being prepared. Our nation has experienced hurricanes, floods, and deaths, and Florida was hit by one of the most devastating hurricanes in history.

We will never forget the attacks of September 11, 2001. On April 27, 2011, the Southeastern United States was hit with multiple tornadoes. During these times, we really need a message from God and His Word.

Many people are in fear. Friend, fear does not comfort anyone, and fear will only bring you more anxiety and distress than you already have. We must not let the devil reign and bring fear into our lives during these trials and tribulations. The Bible reads in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of sound mind." We are told in Mark 11:22 to "Have faith in God."

What do we do in a time of crisis? We must be prepared by being assured of the goodness of God in all things. We have the assurance of our salvation (Hebrews 9:11). If you don't know Jesus, you can have that assurance today by accepting Him as your personal Savior.

Let me encourage you to hold on to this verse as we prepare to go through the disasters and storms of this life. "Being Confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Let us not run from problems, but respond to those in need. We must depart in peace with assurance. Amen!