Do you believe you are living in the last days of human history? Many do, loudly heralding the nightly news as proof of the beginning of tribulations and the imminent return of Christ to Earth. What can you do to manage the precarious days in which we live?

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

Joshua 3:5

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the nation of Israel was on the brink of entering a new land and a new era in their history. On the eve of their procession, Joshua told them to consecrate themselves in preparation to receive God’s provision. The word “consecrate” means to separate oneself from anything that would hinder a good relationship with God. America’s first president followed that example. After taking the oath of office, George Washington walked directly to St. Paul‘s Chapel to kneel before God, dedicating his service and America’s future.

General George S. Patton said, “Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.” Today, prepare for whatever lies ahead – first with thanksgiving for God’s past blessings, and then in humble dedication to God’s provision for the future.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 77:1-3, 11-15