I wanted to follow up on the “Real People Do Get Scared“ blog. In it I mentioned the oft-quoted scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants 38:30,
I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
Then I described a few of the experiences we had going through just one of the disasters in our life, the Loma Prieta earthquake. I indicated that even though we were prepared, I was still very frightened.
In today’s blog I want to make sure that you understand that it is okay to be frightened while being prepared. I also want to make sure you understand that preparedness is part of my DNA, including the testimony of obedience that is part of that.
Many times we, as well as many others, may have questioned, or struggled with the enormity of being prepared. Or perhaps we have not been able to find the creativity to pursue the work and effort required to be prepared. Or maybe we’ve just not been able to find the extra money that we thought it required. Whatever the reasons might be for not being prepared to take care of ourselves during the crises that come into our lives – I would like to suggest to you that none of them matter!
Now that is a pretty strong statement. But it is a very real statement. None of those reasons matter! Let me tell you why.
In my opinion, the principle of being prepared may just be the simple principle of obedience. I really don’t think that being prepared is a suggestion.
However, with that in mind, there is a resource or answer whereby you cannot fail to accomplish it; no matter how hard you think you may have to struggle.
We have been told in 1 Nephi 3:7
“… the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them.”
I personally love that scripture and believe it wholeheartedly! The way will be prepared for you to accomplish it!
Then there is another guideline to follow, that of a Prophet of God. In October 2005 general conference President Gordon B. Hinckley reminded us of our need to be prepared, as well as it being a principle of obedience,
“We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments … I have faith … that the Lord will bless us, and watch over us, and assist us if we walk in obedience to His light, His gospel, and His commandments. (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Ensign, November, 2005, 62)
It has been my constant experience and that of my family, that over the years as we have struggled to be obedient, even when there was no visible money, even when there was no visible pantry space, no seemingly possible ways or means to obtain the commodities needed to fill our shelves … “preparedness” always happened. Being obedient to the principle of being prepared became a way of life. Finding sales to stretch one dollar to five dollars worth buying power happened. Learning to glean fields while living in the middle of LA, CA happened. Friends who would share special deals that they received happened. On and on the miracles followed. Not the parting of the sea for us, just seemingly slowly, seemingly impossible, until when our many crises and personal disasters descended we were always able to provide for our family. Our shelves were full enough to take care of us at each particular time.
When you are doing the very best you can with the resources you have to be obedient, you simply turn to Heavenly Father and request the help that you specifically need in order to be able to be prepared.
In a blog about preparedness this may sound like sermon # 3. It is!
