Why I’m Not Stockpiling.

Posted on November 2, 2008 by elizabeth

At the beginning of 1988, I was 10. Me me and all my fundamentalist Christian friends were pretty sure Jesus would come back that year. We talked about it at lunch-time while eating whole-grain sandwiches from brown paper bags. Some of our parents were already stockpiling food and water because y'know, if The Rapture happened, some of us would be Left Behind.

I was worried that I might get Left Behind. But I felt really bad for the kids carrying Punky Brewster lunchboxes and listening to Madonna. They didn't stand a chance.

Well, to our complete shock (and our parents' disappointment?), 1988 came and went. Somehow, we were all still here. The only bad thing was that Ronald Reagan was no longer President.

So, the stockpiled food had to be donated to The Goodwill, the stale water poured into the flower beds. Life went on and for the first time in my childhood, I treasured the hope that I might live to be…a teenager!

When I turned 13, I thought: well, I'll never live long enough to get married. Jesus will come back before that, for sure!

Well, I got married. I had children. I even survived Stockpiling Fever Part 2: Y2K!

All this to say, I know some folks are worried that an Obama Presidency is, well…The End? Or at least, the Beginning of the End?

Fear not. After all, it's been The Beginning of The End for 2,000+ years!

But more importantly, God is in control. I need to tell myself this because yeah, I'm a little worried. Not about Obama, really. But everything else going on: the war, the bailout, abortion, taxes, my leaking shower.

When I was a little girl, my Dad would comfort me by saying: "Elizabeth, God is not worried. He's not wringing His hands wondering how it's all gonna work out."

I always laughed at this because it was funny to imagine God pacing the floors of Heaven, worrying about stuff on Earth. And as I've grown older, I've learned how to better trust my Heavenly Father because I can recount the many times in my life that He has watched over me.

I've also realized that time spent worrying is time wasted. Just think: I could have been enjoying my childhood instead of worrying about The Rapture!

So, instead of stockpiling, I'm smiling. God is good. I'm thankful to be alive. And FINALLY, this Election is almost over! YAYAYAYAY!!!!

This entry was posted in Politics. Bookmark the permalink.
  • destry

    Once again we are somehow thinking about the EXACT same thing at the exact same tme. First the Dugger post nd now this.

    My instinct has been to start stock piling…and then I remind myself of the same thing…HE has it ALL under control. HE will take care of us. HE is indeed very good!

    Now, if for some reason I can’t overcome my urge to stockpile, I’ll let you know, lol.

  • http://bought-with-a-price.blogspot.com sarah

    This is great. I feel the same way!

  • http://www.thepipers.wordpress.com Molly

    I was one of those kids listening to Madonna and watching MTV. I didn’t stand a chance then, so I’m particularly glad that The Rapture didn’t happen in ’88.

  • Rachel

    God really is in control of all…he works through all leaders to fulfill his purposes…contrary to popular belief, Obama is not the anti-Christ,if he is in power, as Romans says, God has placed him in authority over us, so he must be respected and prayed over…as should Mccain if he wins…I am not going to ramble about political things on this post, but I think sometimes that Christians(myself included) need to spend less time on political issues and do’s and don’ts and how morally bankrupt America is and focus on how we humbly and genuinely walk with Christ and share Him with others. I would not care about the sanctity of life if it were not for Christ…I would not caring for the poor if it were not for Christ…I would not care who married who or who divorced who if it were not for Christ…

    E.E—I am so glad too this will be over this week. My head is spinning…

    Love your topics!

  • http://www.minthegap.com MInTheGap

    My MIL started stockpiling (and she said it was suggested by a pastor at a local church) when the markets starting going funny a few weeks ago.

    My wife actually picked up a few non-perishables, but for the most part, we have faith that God’s in control and we’ll be wise, but not crazy.

  • http://lauriemo.blogspot.com Laurie

    Nice post. My husband and I were just talking on the way home from church today. We’re a bit concerned about what some of the Christians we know are going to do after this election, if the outcome is as it appears it will be. Some folks are downright terrified. We’re thinking there may be more than a few meltdowns. At the very least they’re going to have to find something else to talk about.

  • http://justmomsmusings.blogspot.com Just Mom

    You are absolutely right. God is in control.

    btw … I’m looking forward to the end of the campaigns and the beginning of everyone (hopefully) working together on issues facing our world and our country — including your leaking shower. ;-D

  • http://www.heidijowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com Heidi Jo

    that’s the thing, God doesn’t operate in FEAR. to be fearful of what will happen because a certain man will lead us, takes a whole lot of FAITH out of the question doesn’t it? what is faith without the testing of it?

    i laugh, in a knowing way, at your story of childhood. very true:0)

    who are we to assume we know God’s will for this country, this time. He is always in control. NONE of the public office officials are an exact replica of what God would choose for us, and even though we elect those…because of our own free will…that are less than perfect and downright scary—He can make something beautiful out of our chaos.

  • Cathy

    No matter what happens tomorrow, rest assured, it is God’s will. Nothing is out of His purview. Samuel warned the Israelites what would happen if they had a king, and they wanted one, anyway.

    God’s power isn’t limited by the presidential election. The election, while it may affect us, will NEVER affect the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of His kingdom.

    “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:1

    I’m preaching to the choir.

    Cathy

  • Michelle Hart

    i am glad you posted this…i completely agree that we need to remember that God, and no one else, is in control. many of these fears we have are based on other people’s fears and speculation and interpretation of the bible. we need to remember that we do not have full knowledge of when Jesus will return. and we are not even supposed to try to figure it out because it leads precisely to the fear that so many Christians are living their lives by. God is our refuge and He will guide each of us, but with love, not fear.

  • http://www.elizabethesther.com Elizabeth Esther

    I’m glad so many of you are remaining calm. Instead of building bunkers I think Christians would do better to build bridges. Instead of cloistering ourselves under a cloak of fear, let’s open our arms with tangible acts of love. I’m reaching out to my neighbors who are voting Obama.

    I also think these words from John Piper are very helpful:

    http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1473_Thoughts_on_Voting_and_Politics/

  • http://www.usborneconnection.com Tressa

    Things to stockpile:

    Chocolate
    Ice Cream
    Eileen’s Cookies
    Chocolate
    Twin Bing
    Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing
    fluffy slippers
    Chocolate
    oh, and don’t forget the chocolate…

    Yes, that was a bit tongue in cheek.

    I’m not stockpilling.
    I am praying. For serenity for God’s plan and wisdom when to speak and when to bite my tongue.

    Thank you, Elizabeth, for a great post.