Milk, Eggs and Bread: Is Preparation a lack of Faith?

June 20, 2007
Briar Patch Blog

I grew up in an area of the country that usually got at least one good snowstorm in the winter. I also spent several years in hurricane country. One significant thing that both places have in common are the empty store shelves just before a weather event. With advanced warning of a coming storm, shoppers race to buy the last of the milk, eggs and bread. With potential travel or power disruptions, who wouldn’t make a few last minute preparations?

Well it would seem that there may be quite a few who wouldn’t. There are those who argue that making preparations for coming trouble exhibits a lack of faith in our Great Provider, Jesus Christ. After all, we are told to be totally dependant on Him, for salvation and everything else that "pertaineth unto life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). We know that it is He who gives and sustains life and being the Savior that He is, He cares for us as dear children. He taught us not to worry about what we will eat or wear, but that our Father knows what we need and will supply it (Matthew 6:31-32). In fact the verse that has had the most profound effect on me personally is Matthew 6:33 which reads, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

In light of these truths does the Lord frown on preparations? I’ll attempt to answer that question with a series of other questions:

Does He frown on a homeowner buying fire insurance?

Does He frown on a family putting aside a little money for future expenses?

Is it sin to buy a couple weeks worth of groceries during one shopping trip? Or would God rather we pray before every meal and wait for the manna to start falling? (I am not being disrespectful here.)

Should a father get ready for work every morning in anticipation of needing a paycheck someday soon?

Should an expectant mother make any plans for the arrival of her child?

Are we to live out our faith by never making any provisions for the future?

Over and over, in God’s Word I see Him warning His children of coming events and instructing them on how to live through or escape the trouble. Adam was told to work toward the harvest so that he and his family could eat. Noah, under God’s command, provided for the salvation of the human and animal population. God warned Joseph of coming famine and gave Him the plans for one of the greatest food storage projects of all times. Even the children of Israel, under God’s direction, left Egypt with unleavened bread and Egyptian gold.

We can also see a Father’s heart in the pages of His Word as He instructs us to make provisions for our children’s future. Proverbs 13:22 tells us to leave an inheritance to our grandchildren. (That takes some planning and it is our responsibility.) 1 Timothy 5:8 gives the sobering warning that "if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

Yes, we are to trust God and realize that ultimately everything comes from Him, but we have also been given some responsibilities. Not everything we have or acquire miraculously materializes out of thin air the second we need it. Some things take work and planning. God Himself works and plans. I would go so far to say that to not plan when one has been given clear warnings to do so, is to tempt God. Twice (Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 27:12) the Holy Bible declares "a prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished." We are held accountable for the knowledge we are given. Our existence and ability to bless others in troubled times depends on what we do with that knowledge.

No, preparing does not show a lack of faith. Preparations can be the biggest demonstration of faith in a God who keeps His friends informed about coming perils. Planning ahead, under the Lord's direction, is a testimony to the great love a Father has for His household.

So, when the weatherman says a storm is coming, do you go buy your milk, eggs, and bread?

Tonya