In Case of Emergency

Stir Up Your Gift

There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth.

Charles Dickens

Emergency preparedness training is a course given to companies and organizations so that everyone is ready if something catastrophic happens — like a fire or crazed shooter entering the building. By practicing how to respond ahead of time, the hope is that everyone will act in an organized and logical fashion, minimizing the possibility of mass chaos. A good idea if you can do it!

An emergency is defined as:

an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action.

It certainly appears to be an emergency right now, and it’s hard to know how to respond. Our body and mind naturally react with either a fight or flight response. Anger or escape both seem like choices for many. Suicide attempts have soared and domestic violence has increased.

As believers, what is our mission during an emergency? What does it look like to be light in these dark times?

Paul’s second letter to Timothy gives some clues. Written during a time of intense persecution towards Christians, Paul says this to his disciple:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 Timothy 3:1

And tells him to keep going in the things God has taught him:

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of … All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Timothy 3:14a, 16

So, keep going in what God has given you, what he has taught you. Keep reading the word. It is immensely profitable in these times. Paul also says this:

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God…

2 Timothy 1:6a

The word for “stir up” is the same one used to rouse up the embers of a fire. By stirring up a fire, what is already there becomes fiery once again.

What do we need to do in these times? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It will vary according to our gifts. If you are called to preach, preach. If called to give mercy, show compassion to the many hurting people. If called to administer, organize.

Some of us will go to rallies and give speeches. Leaders may run for office. Writers will write. Speakers will use their voice for truth. As Romans 12:6-8 points, each according to his gifts. Develop the things God has put in you for his purpose. Don’t retreat into fear — now is the time to stand.

In case of emergency, stir up your gifts. Read the Word. Be strong in the power of his might.

Thanks so much for reading! I hope it was encouraging for you. I would love to hear your thoughts.

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Please check out my latest book: a poetry chapbook focused on the effects of the lockdowns on our society. I wrote this book all last year as I watched the insanity of lockdowns wreak havoc around me.

Lockdown Fragments (PDF copy).
Lockdown Fragments (print or Kindle version)

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