The Time To Come

Proverbs 26:20 "For lack of wood the fire goes out..."

That seems like a no brainer, doesn't it. But it is the plain, hard truth, without wood the fire goes out. I conclude two principles from this verse. Not only do we need to collect wood to start a fire we need to have enough foresight to collect enough wood to keep it going. Discipline and wisdom. Those are the two principles I find in this verse. Proverbs 31:10-31 is constantly speaking of a woman of great worth and how she is constantly preparing for the future. I especially love verse 25 where it says "... she laughs at the time to come." She laughs not because she is foolish or immature or unprepared, but because she is ready for the time to come for her and her family. What a great example for us all. What can we be doing now that will prepare us for the future so that we will be ready and can laugh along with the Proverbs 31 woman? What are we preparing for? What needs to be prepared? For me, I can take Proverbs 26 very literally because I love to chop wood and we need to do so that we can be warm for the winter. I also think that there is a preparedness that each and every one of us need to have and that is with our hearts and our homes. Our homes to minister to our families (husbands, children, mothers, fathers, siblings) as well as those who enter our homes. Our homes can be a very powerful place for a godly witness. Also, our hearts for the work ahead of us. To tackle our tasks with patience and grace and joy. Are we preparing for the time to come?