Summary: How often are we caught unawares by circumstances out of our ignorance. Are we prepared for the Lord’s coming?

CRISIS MANAGERS

LUKE 12:39-40

“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he could not have let his house be broken into. You must also be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

A member in the church was testifying of how he was challenged by circumstances. He was out attending a disaster management meeting, in a venue, far away from his home when he received a call that his son was admitted in a hospital sick. To him, it was a practical issue which couldn’t be assumed or taken lightly. He had to act.

At times we find ourselves in such a situation, least expected situations and circumstances. How are we then expected to do? How are supposed to react in such like situations, when the unexpected happens or catches us by surprise?

In Genesis 41:53-57 Joseph made sure that there was enough food in Egypt’s store-houses since he was aware of seven years of famine ahead. He was prepared and this helped to save the lives of so many people since nations flocked into Egypt in order to buy food. Joseph became a disaster manager who helped curb the catastrophe. He prepared Egypt for the famine and when it finally came, there was enough food for Egypt and for many other nations.

On the other hand, we know the story of Noah in Genesis 6:1-22. The world was corrupt and evil and the Lord wanted to wipe out all mankind but when Noah won the Lord’s favour, he became a crisis manager. Noah was informed of the impending flood and in order to save his family and the Lord’s creation, he was instructed to biuld the ark. He obeyed and by building the ark, he managed to save his family and the animal kingdom. Like Joseph, Noah too was able to act swiftly to the word of the Lord. He obeyed to the command of God and he build the ark so that the Lord’s creation may not be wiped out of this world.

The disasters that happen in our planet today are not just as natural as we think. There are spiritual forces behind them. The earthquakes, the floods, the fires etc have certain forces behind them and those who are closer to God, are made aware before the tragedies strike. This is to warn the righteous and the whole community so that they may get prepared. Many people who ignore the warnings, end up bearing the consequences.

I have realized that many people are not prepared when disaters such as floods, famine, earthquakes occur. And above all, many are not prepared for the coming of the Messiah. The above signs are an indication that the world is about to end…nations shall rise against other nations and kingdoms against other kingdoms. There will be earthquakes, famine….and already these end time signs have been fulfilled. Many people shall be caught unawares during the rapture. I was one day ministering the word of God to a non-believer and when I asked him whether he was ready to accept Christ as his personal saviour, he replied and said that he would confess Christ on his death bed. I asked him what if he was electrocuted? Those who have ever been involved in a road accident, will concur with me that these things happen so fast for one to intervene.

There’s no better way of getting prepared for disasters than for one accepting Christ as Lord and savior. The second coming of Christ will be a disaster to those who have refused Him. He is saying that His coming shall be like that of a thief, at an hour and time that one least expect. Be prepared, and you shall not be disappointed. And the Bible says that the time of salvation is now.

The Bible tells us that no one knows the day of the coming of the Lord Jesus. The Lord shall come for his own who will be expecting Him. We are expecting the Lord to come anytime since we can read the signs of His coming. But for all who do not know Him, they will be caught the way one is surprised by thieves when attacked at night. Friend, you do not have to fall into such a crisis. Get to know Him now and you shall not fall into this sea of disappointment. You can be a crisis manager, too, by staying prepared by studying the word of God which opens the secrets of the world to us.