Preparing

In reading many things about preparing for everything from Shemitah to apocalypse, I see a continual propensity toward the extremes.  Many are speaking of a second Exodus, so many are "planning" on manna.  That particular perspective confuses me, so I don't really have a yea or a nay about it at this time, but the children of Israel did not leave Egypt planning for manna to fall.   A second Exodus is not what I'm feeling led to prepare for, at this time.  I don't have a bug-out bag.

By the same token, I've read and heard the Scriptural reference about the man building bigger barns as a warning against preparing and stocking up.  Since I'm preparing for Shemitah, I'm not about to let anything go to waste, at least I'm trying to make sure everything that grows is used or put in a jar until it is needed.  There have been times I've suffered "preparation overkill" which is nothing more than fear on my part.  I have been planning to share the fruits of my labor all along, in establishing a homestead for a community to gather, so bigger barns for me, is simply not the case.

It was not raining when Noah built the ark and the Babylonian army wasn't standing at the gate in Jerusalem when the prophets first began sounding the warning . . .

Since Messiah said the end of days would be as in the days of Noah, I'm continuing to stand, working on a refuge with at least a year's supply of food for people and animals.  As I began sorting through tomatoes and jars the other day, I realized once again, I'm truly not doing this for me.  If my numbered days continue through this winter, I'll eat well, but I truly pray I'm sharing it with someone or several someones who are likeminded.   On the other hand, if my numbered days are up, this will feed others.

That is what is so simple and beautiful about serving our Creator on this homestead.  I'm doing it for Him, so I seek His direction, purpose, and plan.  I pray before I buy a goat!  I give thanks for the new kids and the delicious milk.  I pray as I till the soil.  I pray as I plant the seeds.  I definitely pray in sheer delight and thanksgiving as I harvest the produce.  I definitely pray over the meal.  I truly do seek Him in the daily operation of this homestead.  I've been called here, I have the privilege of working here and tending the place, but it belongs to Abba.  

I've even shared with a friend the idea that this may serve as a rest stop for those who will be traveling through to join other communities, as I believe there will be several as these end of days unfold.  It could be, since He is so creative, we may be blessed with Him stretching what is in the warehouse.  Deuteronomy tells us, not only did the children of Israel receive manna and quail, but their shoes didn't wear out . . .