“The best way you can prepare is to prepare spiritually,” are the words God spoke to my heart in 2010—and every time since when I pray: “Lord, what must I do to prepare for the coming storm?”

I often assume that everyone is aware of the perilous times coming to America and the entire world, but maybe not. My Dad was an avid reader and news watcher, and I am regularly reminded of things he said would happen in America someday. I literally see those things happening now!

When I was a child, conversations about the last days terrified me; but today, not so much. I am not afraid now because I personally know the God who is in charge of this world, and I trust deeply in the powerful promises given His children.

I expect that some of you went out last week and bought supplies of water, rice and beans. Many of us will do what we can to provide for those we love, and we should—if it gives us any comfort whatsoever. But I believe that whatever we do to prepare in the physical, while it may bring some peace of mind, will never be enough. There is no way to fully prepare physically for that which is coming.

I say that not to alarm you, but to encourage you to give your attention to the most important thing that you can do: prepare spiritually. Do you know God’s promises? Do you know His voice? Could you rely on Him for survival?

Recently, while talking to my daughter-in-law about a situation, this phrase simply came out my mouth: the immediate has become the relevant. I believe the time will soon come in our lives and in our nation when the immediate will be so difficult that it will become more relevant than the future, or for that matter, anything else. We are perhaps even now on the brink of such a time.

For decades, Christians in America have lived the good life—and aren’t we thankful! God has blessed us with freedom, peace, and prosperity. Yet, as the Israelites were entering the Promised Land, God warned them not to forget the Lord their God when things were good. But they did forget, and we know that God’s judgment came because of it. Could that be where America is today?

Unfortunately, America has forgotten the Lord. We have elected leaders who do not know God or His ways, and as a result the laws of our land no longer reflect God’s holy commandments. It is inevitable that we will suffer from these bad choices. I fear it will soon be a crime to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as to speak out against sin of any kind.

So, instead of concerning ourselves with careers, investment plans, retirement, and what college our children will attend, the immediate has become the relevant—the need to survive in these last days upon the earth.

In case you do not know how current events relate to Bible prophecy, I encourage you to get informed. I have listed one great website below, and there are many others. Daily, we see or hear of events setting the stage for the return of our Lord. Jesus told His followers to be ready—aware, awake, and then sound the alarm for others. Whatever you do, don’t turn a deaf ear.

I like to think of my reaction to these challenging times in this way: I don’t want to cry or crater; I don’t want to shake in my boots or run for the mountains; I want to finish S-T-R-O-N-G!

And I want you to finish strong as well. God has told us how to remain safe, and in the coming weeks we will look closely at some of His powerful promises. Watch for the footprints—the verse below is incredible! ~ Janie Kellogg

Key Scripture: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. Psalm 91:1 (Amplified Bible)

Key Website: www.prophecyinthenews.com Prophecy in the News, hosted by Dr. Kevin Clarkson, airs on the Church Channel on Sunday afternoons. Check your guide for the correct time in your area.