Lights Out!

A power outage, however brief, causes a lot of consternation. Lights go out, computers are down, refrigeration ceases and life as we know it with all our modern conveniences grinds to a halt. This happened in our city recently during a busy lunchtime, disrupting the schedules of thousands of people who were having their noon break. Restaurants and other enterprises lost business and customers went hungry. Happily, the power outage lasted only a short time, but long enough to remind everyone how dependent we are upon the power grid that supplies our communities.

As we approach the start of a long hot summer in the Northern Hemisphere, one wonders how we will fare with an electrical power system stretched to the breaking point with increasing power demands and limited energy supply. Failures and “brownouts” are very likely to occur. These are problems that third world or developing nations have had to deal with, but relatively new developments for the Western nations.

A pundit recently observed that, without power, mankind would be plunged back into the 1800s in about three days, with the breakdown or disruption of food distribution, water supply, transportation, communication, medical facilities and many other conveniences we take for granted in our modern society.

Faced with such disruption, how will people react? Will panic break out—resulting in chaos and anarchy as people strive to meet their basic needs for food and water? Sadly, we have seen what has happened in the aftermath of some natural disasters, when law and order broke down and looting and lawlessness ensued. Frightening scenarios can develop very quickly, especially for those unprepared for emergencies.

So, how should a Christian approach the prospect of serious disruption of power—and all the problems that it can bring? Certainly not by panicking. We have Jesus Christ’s own promise that God will provide for His people: ”Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26).

Even so, this does not excuse us from doing our part. From Scripture, we have the example of God inspiring Joseph to prepare for a great famine that would affect his part of the world. We also have this wise admonition found in the book of Proverbs: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3).

Wisdom dictates that each of us should do some basic planning for unexpected disasters regardless of their cause—including such simple matters as power outages that disrupt other basic services. Each family should have a plan for its members to be able to contact each other, should establish a location where they will meet if separated, and of course should store an emergency supply of food and water that will last for at least a week or two. Emergency lighting, a battery operated radio and some provision for basic cooking should be a part of the family emergency plan, along with a first aid kit and some knowledge of how to use it.

As God’s people, Christians are to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:6-7)—a feat made possible by the enlightened understanding God gives us through His Holy Spirit. One aspect of walking in the light is to encourage others to be prepared—physically and spiritually. No matter what happens, remaining close to God is an essential aspect of being prepared. The Psalmist put it this way: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed” (Psalm 46:1-3).

Our Tomorrow’s World telecast, “How To Watch World Events!” will give you valuable insights into being prepared for the times ahead. You may also want to read our free booklet, Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs. 

Will you be ready for “lights out”?