Trusting Divine Sustenance During the Time of Trouble

No, you should not store up food for the time of trouble, as doing so is contrary to the instructions provided in the BibleExV 44.1. The Lord has repeatedly shown that it is a mistake to make any provision for temporal wants during that periodExV 44.1.

Trusting in Divine Sustenance

In the coming crisis, God’s people must trust wholly in Him for their survivalExV 44.1. If the saints were to have food laid up in their homes or fields during the time of trouble—when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land—it would be taken from them by violent hands, and strangers would reap their fieldsExV 44.1. During this time, the promise remains that bread and water will be sure Isaiah 33:16ExV 44.1. God is fully able to spread a table in the wilderness or send ravens to feed His children, just as He did for ElijahExV 44.1.

The Nature of the Preparation Needed

Rather than preparing for physical hunger, the current time should be used for spiritual and practical preparation16MR 207.3+1.

• Spiritual Readiness: We must obtain the victory over every besetment, including pride, selfishness, and love of the worldExV 58.3+1. To stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator during the time of trouble, one must reflect the image of Jesus fullyExV 58.3+2.

• Practical Skills: While we are not to stockpile food, we are encouraged to learn the science of healthful cooking and how to combine simple ingredients like grains and vegetables8MR 173.1+2. This knowledge is intended for the present time to maintain health and to help the poorHFM 57.1+1.

• The Preparation Day: On a weekly basis, Friday is the designated day to prepare for the Sabbath, following the example of the Israelites who baked and seethed their manna before the holy rest Exodus 16:236T 354.4.

Surrendering Earthly Clogs

The Lord has indicated that houses and lands will be of no use in the time of trouble1LtMs, Ms 3, 1849, par. 3. Before that time arrives, it is the will of God that the saints cut loose from every encumbrance and dispose of their property to make a covenant with God by sacrifice1LtMs, Ms 3, 1849, par. 3. By doing so, they will be free from clogs that would otherwise weigh them down in that trying hour1LtMs, Ms 3, 1849, par. 3.

God’s Care for His People

Even though the righteous may suffer the pangs of hunger during the time of trouble, they will continue their agonizing cries for deliverance3SG 134.2+1. God’s special care is over those who have put on the whole armor of God to withstand the wiles of the devil Ephesians 6:11ST September 15, 1898, par. 11+1. We are in the waiting time, and every precaution must be taken to prevent spiritual declension so that the day of the Lord does not overtake us as a thief Matthew 24:424T 123.3+1.

The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord, and He will be their strength and refuge in the time of trouble Psalms 37:39-40+1.

Storing up food for any stage of the time of trouble is contrary to the instruction given by the Lord, as He has repeatedly shown that making such provision for temporal wants is not in accordance with the BibleExV 44.1+2. Provisions such as food laid up in the house or left in the fields will be taken by violent hands or strangers during the time of famine and pestilenceExV 44.1+1.

Trusting in God During the Final Crisis

The period ahead requires a total reliance on divine power rather than human stockpiling ⛅.

• Divine Sustenance: During the time of trouble, the promise to the righteous is that their bread and water shall be sure Isaiah 33:16ExV 44.1+2.

• Miraculous Care: If necessary, God will spread a table in the wilderness or send ravens to feed His children, just as He sustained ElijahIC 28.3+3.

• The Futility of Hoarding: Those who fear rising prices and attempt to store food will find that it breeds worms and becomes unfit for use when they finally go to it in their time of needBroadside2 January 31, 1849, par. 9.

The Time of Jacob’s Trouble

The time of Jacob’s trouble is a period of intense mental and spiritual anguish that occurs after the close of probation Jeremiah 30:7LDE 261.4+2.

• Nature of the Struggle: Like Jacob wrestling with the Angel, God's people will cry day and night for deliverance from the decree of death and the threat of their enemies Genesis 32:24-30GC 616.1+2.

• Mental Anguish: Their distress is not a fear of physical death but a deep concern that every sin has not been repented ofGC88 619.1+1.

• No Material Help: During this flight into desolate places and mountain strongholds, houses and lands are useless encumbrances that cannot be sold or used to advance the truthLDE 261.1+2.

Preparation Before the Trouble Starts

The proper use of means and food is for the present time, while the doors of mercy are still open 🕊️.

• Cutting Loose from Encumbrances: It is the will of God that the saints dispose of their houses and lands before the time of trouble to avoid having "clogs" that weigh them down2TT 44.2+2.

• Supporting the Needy: Instead of hoarding, followers of Christ should use their means now to help the poor and advance the work of the gospel 1 Timothy 6:18-19CET 205.2+2.

• Spiritual Readiness: The most critical preparation is the crucifixion of self and the purification of the soul through the latter rain, which strengthens the believer to stand without a mediator7BC 984.4+3.

The Deliverance of God's People

While the wicked suffer from hunger and the seven last plagues, the righteous will be shielded by heavenly guardiansExV 19.1+3. Even if the saints are forced to flee or are cast into loathsome dungeons, they will not be forsakenGC 627.1+2. Their ultimate deliverance comes by the voice of God, turning their captivity and leading them to the eternal fountains of water Revelation 7:17LS 117.1+2.