Year 2000 Changes Disruptions caused by the Year 2000 computer problem (known as Y2K, or the Millennium Bug), have the potential to change life in the modern world. The facts make it seem likely to be disruptive. However, no human knows exactly what will happen or how bad it will be -- only God knows.
Although this may be a painful time for millions of people, it will also be a time of great opportunity for sharing the message of hope and help to be found in Jesus Christ. In times of crisis, when people realize they need help, there is always much more openness to the Gospel.
Faith ~ Info ~ Supplies ~ Prepare ~ Minister
What You Need To Do "A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." --Proverbs 22:3 (TLB)
Build Your Faith Remember that God loves you and has a plan for you. None of what will happen with Y2K is going to take God by surprise. Look to God.
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Preparedness Information "Noah was another who trusted God. When he heard God's warning about the future, Noah believed him even though there was then no sign of a flood, and wasting no time, he built the ark and saved his family. Noah's belief in God was in direct contrast to the sin and disbelief of the rest of the world -- which refused to obey -- and because of his faith he became one of those whom God has accepted." -- Hebrews 11:7 (TLB)
Ultimately, God is all you need to survive anything and everything. After all, if He doesn't have something -- He can just create it! So faith in God is most important. God still has the recipe for Manna and can still warm us with a pillar of fire by night. Jesus can still multiply food and make it feed the multitudes.
However, the Bible nowhere seems to teach that we should be slothful in preparation and just expect the Lord to take care of everything. We have responsibility to do our part -- always trusting in the Lord to guide us and to fill in where we need help.
This is not to say that we should trust in ourselves first, and only trust God when we think we cannot handle things ourselves. Only that we must not presume upon God supplying in a supernatural way when He previously enabled and led us to prepare in natural ways.
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Survival Food, Equipment, And Supplies It does not demonstrate a lack of faith in God to obtain and store more food than is necessary for today -- unless God tells you not to -- like He did the Israelites while they were in the wilderness. Once they entered the promised land God expected them to harvest the crops and store them to live on until the next harvest -- which would be from one to three years. Not having any food stored -- if you are able to do so -- does demonstrate either incredible faith in the world system, or incredible stupidity.
"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." -- 1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJ)
Even without Y2K problems, some people will continue to experience floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, ice storms, etc. -- which all can disrupt the normal supply of food, water, and electricity.
"Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest." -- Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJ)
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What Should You Do To Prepare For Y2K? All the following suggestions are non-destructive, so if nothing bad happens you will not be hurt. (Some people will be directed by the Lord to take further steps -- but we should all do this much.) Pray about what the Lord Jesus would have you do. Then do it -- no matter what others think. I'm sure they laughed at Noah and called him a radical, too -- as they did many people in the Bible.
Improve your relationship with the Lord Jesus. Spend more time with Him in prayer and in the Word. If you think you can make it without the Lord's help and guidance -- you are wrong. Improve your relationship with those around you. No one is an island. We need help from others, especially in times of crisis. Better to be surrounded by people you know who are friendly. As a start, prepare now for being without all outside help for one week -- no electricity, water, fuel, food, medical or other services. Even without Y2K, many people will face disasters caused by floods, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and storms, that could necessitate such preparations. Begin buying, storing, and using more bulk foods. Target a minimum of a one month to a one year supply. Not only are grains, seeds, and legumes the cheapest and easiest way to store basic food long-term, but they are also a basis of a healthy diet. A food supply is also helpful if you lose your job or food prices go up. Make sure you have paper copies of all your important documents. Don't rely on some computer. Ask the Lord what you should sell or give away. Especially consider all paper investments. Ask the Lord what you should buy. Consider camping as a hobby. The equipment you gather might come in handy, and the experience could be instructive in an emergency. Grow a garden this year. It is time to learn how. Go to Top
Prepare to Minister As the Body of Christ, we must be prepared to minister to those around us who will be becoming our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, you need to take care of your own family (1 Timothy 5:8), but don't let selfishness trap you into stopping there.
Disruptions caused by Y2K, or other disasters, may make our present building-centered church structure unusable. Would you be ready for that?
Start meeting in your home with your neighbors for a time of Bible study and prayer. If your church does not already encourage small neighborhood groups, encourage your pastor or church leader to urge the entire church to start them. Check Helps For Believers for useful materials.
Since we are citizens of the heavenly kingdom we must keep the proper perspective. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" - Mark 8:36. We cannot take our property and investments with us to Heaven, so now is the time to begin using our money to make friends for the kingdom of God (Luke 16:9).
You should have a supply of Bibles on hand to give to people who will come to Christ. Now is the time to get them inexpensively. This is vitally important. (Even if Y2K causes no problems -- people still need the Word of God.) The Bible Societies are the best place to obtain Bibles inexpensively. For Bibles in countries outside the USA, check this list.
In times of extreme crisis, people always find the Word of God more valuable than anything else. Will you have a supply for those desparately seeking help?
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