Why You Should Not Store Food for 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.