Are You Prepared…Really?

The catastrophic events that began a week ago in Japan; an earthquake followed by a tsunami, and now a potential nuclear meltdown spreading radioactive gases, have left many people glued to various forms of the news media as they try to comprehend the magnitude of it all. The disaster has impacted not just those living in the areas hardest hit, but it has rippled throughout the entire country, and even the world. We don’t yet know the death toll, but hundreds of thousands are said to be living in shelters, and the emotional and physical effects will unfold for years to come.

These events impact the global supply chain as well, since Japan manufactures components used in consumer electronics and automotive products (to name a few) used across the world.Companies are now assessing the impact to their manufacturing processes and short term sales, and taking steps to mitigate potential financial losses.

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As I watch the events unfold day by day, my mind keeps going to the issue of being prepared.The Japanese have reportedly been diligent about taking precautions in the event of an earthquake.But it’s improbable that they would have anticipated a triple disaster, or could have done enough to adequately prepare for it.

Disaster planning occurs in every area of our lives.Companies develop emergency plans for restoring business operations, retaining and accessing data, and continuing to service customers.Governments prepare secure war rooms and develop strategic military plans. Municipalities prepare to provide basic services to residents like food, water and shelter in the event of a crisis.But what about economic crises, financial crises, military crises, or environmental crises?We’ve had all of these in the past five years, at levels that exceeded our expectations of how critical the impact of these situations could be.

So how should we effectively prepare for a potential crisis or disaster?Preparedness is a result of appropriately:

Assessing the risks – Almost everyone impacted by recent disasters thought that it might be possible, but it wasn’t probable.  So assume that it can happen.What are the risks if you’re not prepared?

Assuming the resources – Most disaster recovery plans assume the availability of electrical power at some point, or clean water and air, or that transportation is available, or that people will act rationally.What are your assumptions and what if they aren’t realistic?

Accumulating the reserves – Start now to develop plans to gather provisions to make it through the crisis.That might mean accumulating financial reserves, developing emergency plans, identifying operating alternatives, or gathering provisions. What materials should you prepare now to have on hand?

Acting responsibly – Your behavior at the time of a crisis can have a positive impact on others as you exhibit faith in God, and allow His peace to rule your spirit. Can you give your fears to Him?

Acknowledging reality – Denial of the magnitude and impact will exacerbate the problem.Often people delay in responding because they fear overreacting. It’s generally important to be ready to take action quickly. Can you take every event seriously?

But the most important area of our lives where we need to be prepared is in our spirit. We’re in the days that Jesus spoke of where we’ll experience wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and nations fighting against one another (Matt 24:6-7, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-11).Whether we’re directly impacted by crises, or asked to help others in crises, we all will face the moment of understanding where we will spend eternity. The best thing we can do is settle that matter in advance by committing our lives to Christ. Unfortunately, many people live for today, and don’t plan for their eternal future, or they don’t believe in Jesus Christ. They fail to assess the risks correctly.

Others assume they will have time to commit their lives to Him when they’re finished doing what they want to do.They’ll make a “just in time” decision.These people fail to properly assume the resources that will be available to them.

Still others fail to strengthen themselves spiritually by accumulating the proper reserves, such as knowledge, wisdom, and developing a closer relationship with Christ, to make it through the times of crises. Instead they fall away from Christ when challenges come into their personal lives, not realizing that this is the time to press in closer to Him.

Those who act responsibly and draw near to Christ will indeed find that He’s a present help in a time of trouble.As they act responsibly, they allow the peace of God to rule their hearts, they find rest in Him.

And finally, individuals who acknowledge reality understand the context of such disasters, and the perilous times of these last days (II Timothy 3:1). They understand the seriousness of their behavior and press in to Him, to hear and obey all that He has called them to do.

So each of us must assess our level of preparedness.Are we really ready for what may lie ahead?