Prepare Like Joseph: Stockpiling Emergency Food Storage for the Coming Chaos

In today's world, while we might not face a literal famine, the chaos from natural disasters, economic instability, or civil unrest can leave us without access to essential resources. As stewards of our households, it's our responsibility to heed these warnings and prepare accordingly.

Creating Your Emergency Food Storage Stockpile:

1. Duration: Planning for the Long Haul

Begin by determining how long you want your emergency food supply to last. For beginners, starting with a 72-hour kit is essential. This kit should include enough food and water for each family member to last three days. As you become more adept, extend this to a month, three months, and eventually a year's supply.

2. Nutritional Needs: Balanced and Wholesome

It's crucial to ensure that your stockpile meets daily caloric and nutritional requirements. Choose a variety of freeze-dried meals, canned goods, and ration bars that provide balanced nutrition, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Jesus fed the multitude with loaves and fish, ensuring they were well-nourished. Similarly, we should ensure our families receive adequate nourishment.

3. Ease of Preparation: Simplicity in Crisis

   In an emergency, convenience is key. Select foods that are easy to prepare, ideally requiring just water. Freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are excellent choices because they are lightweight, easy to store, and have long shelf lives. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22) Pray for wisdom in selecting the right foods that will sustain and comfort your family.

4. Storage and Portability: Practical Solutions

 Your emergency food should be easy to store and transport. Mylar pouches and stackable containers are ideal for this purpose. Joseph stored grain in vast quantities in cities across Egypt, making it accessible when famine struck. Similarly, keep your stockpile organized and accessible.

5. Variety and Taste: Preventing Menu Fatigue

   A varied diet is not just a luxury; it is essential for maintaining morale during tough times. Include a range of meals to prevent menu fatigue and ensure your family is willing to eat the food. Remember, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) Keeping spirits high with enjoyable meals is part of overall well-being.

6. Shelf Life: Long-Term Planning

Check the shelf life of your food items. Some emergency food supplies can last up to 25 years. Foods with long shelf lives ensure that your preparations remain viable for years. Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25 who kept oil in their lamps, ensure your supplies are enduring and ready for when they are needed.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Just as Noah prepared the ark before the flood, we too must prepare for the unforeseen. By building a comprehensive emergency food stockpile, we fulfill our biblical mandate to protect and provide for our families. Let us take these steps seriously, trusting in God's guidance and provision, and be ready for whatever challenges come our way. "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24:44)

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By taking these proactive steps, you'll be well-prepared to counter the chaos, ensuring your family's safety and well-being in any emergency. Remember, preparedness is not just a practical necessity but a spiritual duty. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and trust in the Lord's providence.