Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires, plagues and wars can leave us in helpless situations. How do we prepare for the unexpected?

We can’t entirely trust the news, weather forecasts, or vaccines to get us where we need to be. God is the only one who has sovereign knowledge of what’s happening, when and where. No weather radio is going to give us the guidance that God can.

There have been times in my life, when God had me prepare in unusual ways for unexpected events. Mostly it was hindsight that illuminated how His direction provided security or escape. One scenario comes to mind because it was so obvious when the situation played out. It’s been more than a decade ago since this story took place but it was clearly divine provision that has become a memorial stone for me. One day, God told me to make an extra set of all my keys: car, home, and office and to put the keys in my car. It was a simple enough direction from God, and of course I did it. The very same week, because of an unexpected once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, I was thankful that God had given me that exact instruction. God foreknew what would take place and that His provision would be an obvious sign to me that He was leading me. God knew in advance that I would be falsely accused and that the person holding my keys would refuse to return them on my release. I had a spare door key to my car in my wallet and a full set of new keys to everything else hidden inside my car. God’s advance instructions provided an escape from the enemy’s plans against me and proof that He was on my side.

God provided much more for me during that very difficult time in my life and I know I could never thank Him enough for His watchful care. But I know too that my obedience played an important part in my safety. I would be lost without hearing God’s voice. Are you hours or days away from your biggest trial? Are you constantly listening to and obeying God’s instructions? Will you be ready for what’s ahead?

What should you place in that “Go” Bag?