Becoming a Good Steward

“They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country will not be ruined by the famine.” (Genesis 41: 35-36)

Many of us are probably familiar with the story of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream; it has become one of the most iconic examples of God’s approval of the prepper lifestyle. Upon hearing of Pharaoh’s multiple dreams, Joseph relied on God to interpret the meaning, explaining to Pharaoh that a famine would soon come to Egypt that would have the ability to destroy the country he ruled. However, if he took the time to prepare wisely, Egypt may be harmed through the famine, but not destroyed.

The message from this story by most preppers is that planning and preparation is invaluable. It is also encouraged by God. For those of us choosing to focus on prepping as a part of our lifestyle there is more to the story than the simple message. It is also a reminder that living as a prepper is also living as a good steward. We are called upon to be good stewards of God’s provisions and that is exactly what the prepper does. We maximize the resources around us, preparing for how and when to best use them. We are equipped to use any and all of our assets to help our families and our communities when the time arises. Psalm 24 reminds us that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Everything belongs to God; we are simply called to use His world wisely. What better way to do that than by preparing to sustain that which He has given us?

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Today in Christian History

May 2nd

1507 – Two years after entering the Augustinian monastery at Erfurt, future German reformer Martin Luther, 23, was consecrated a priest. (Luther remained in the order until 1521, when he was excommunicated from the Catholic Church.)

1872 – A lectureship was established at Yale Divinity School in memory of American clergyman Lyman Beecher (1775-1863). The lectures were to cover topics on preaching and the work of the Christian ministry.

1922 – Birth of missions pioneer Bob Finley. In 1953 he chartered the Christian Aid Mission in Washington, D.C. Today, this evangelical group works in over 40 countries, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia.

1949 – American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: ‘The man who will not act until he knows all will never act at all.’

1956 – The General Conference of the Methodist Church, held in Minneapolis, demanded abolishment of racial segregation in all Methodist churches.

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Source for Today in Christian History: https://www.studylight.org/his/tich/