Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

As we in North Carolina prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Florence, a sense of urgency has descended upon us.  The gas stations lines are long and the grocery stores lines are longer.  Bread, milk and water is disappearing fast, as we brace for what could be the worst storm since 1989.  You would think we were expecting snow.  We are definitely expecting something.  The problem is we don’t really know what to expect.  I saw a post on Facebook that read, “how do we get ready?” The question was sincere.  Instinctively I commented, “hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”  Sage advice from a mentor of mine in years past.

From time to time, we all find ourselves in an impending storm, awaiting for what could be the worst.  How do we get ready?  What can we do?  The question is sincere.  I google scriptures on being prepared.   There are over 50.  These are my top three picks.

1) 1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT says, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous.^[a] Be strong. ”

2)  Colossians 4:2 The Amplified Bible; “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. ”

3)  1 Thessalonians 5:6 The Message; ” But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand…  Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart…  Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.”

“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.”  We don’t have to hope for the best.  Hope is the best thing we’ve got going.  It’s hope that cuts through the dark.  It’s hope that can push us through to another day.  It’s hope we build our faith on.  We have the hope of Christ, the hope of heaven and the hope of experiencing the Kingdom of God here on Earth.  Hope is everything.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV, says,
^” Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.”

“Those who hope in the Lord”.  I hope in the Lord, every day.  Every time I bow my head to pray, I’m hoping in something greater than myself.  I’m hoping for intervention.  I’m hoping God will do something I cannot.  What’s better than hope?  The promises of the Lord.  Hope is great, but God’s promises are even better.  Here are some of God’s promises to us;

Exodus 14:14 NIV;  The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV; The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV; I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

Whatever you are facing, be it Hurricane Florence or some proverbial storm, know that your help comes from the LORD.   Trust God, hope in HIS promises, and believe God is right here with you.  And if you can, praise HIM even in this storm.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you that you have never left my side.  Thank you that you have seen every tear I’ve cried.  And even though I cannot understand your ways, give me the  courage to praise you in this storm and the hope that you will always be with me.  In Jesus Name, Amen. – M