Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land, and take the fifth part of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and lay up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine which are to befall the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.
Genesis 41:34-36, RSV
Perhaps one of the most difficult lessons for men to learn during good times is the necessity to prepare for the bad times. Note that I did not say to worry about the bad times, for that would result in a perverse lack of joy during the seasons of God's greatest blessings. What I mean is that people should make some provision for the future, because no one knows what will come upon them during their time here on earth.
In this particular time of history, God did reveal to men that bad times would follow good. Acting on this knowledge, Joseph advised that some provision be made for the bad times that would surely come. His advice was heeded, and many nations were spared from starvation and certain death. But they did so at the cost of their freedom!
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if the people of that time had just possessed a little foresight? They, too, were to enjoy seven years of abundance and they could have set aside a little something for the future. They did not have to know that bad times would come, nor did they even have to know the length of the period of abundance that they would experience before hand, all they had to do was exercise a bit of common sense and put something aside.
How about you? You don't need a prophet to tell you that bad times will come in life - it is common sense! People lose their jobs and their health. There are periods of famine, of war, of disaster, and of economic turmoil. There are also times of incredible "once in a lifetime" opportunities that we could take advantage of if we would just set aside a bit of something when things are going well.
I am convinced that we all need to learn the lesson of the seven years of abundance and the seven years of famine. And what is that lesson? After you have taken care of God's things first, and after you have taken care of your family's needs, put a little something aside for the future. If you should have the pleasant experience of setting aside too much, then you can help take care of others during their times of crisis.
Bad times always seem to follow good. If you are prepared, then you will not spend all of your time scrambling for survival with those who were less prudent. That means that you will have more time to serve God and more resources to help those who are less fortunate. Foresight helped save the nation of Egypt during one of the worst disasters of history, and a little foresight can make all of the difference for you and your family.
Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
Ecclesiastes 11:2, NIV
Today is the 11th day of the 30 day challenge to study through the Books of Moses, with Genesis 41-45 being the text for today. May God richly bless you as you have the foresight to prepare for His service during good times and in bad!