There are promises made in the Bible that point us to God’s miraculous care, provisions, and protection during the crunch times ahead. And these promises should be believed, embraced and expected for God can always be trusted to fulfill His word. In particular, the following passages in Isaiah would be pertinent to that time when all earthly supports will be cut off from the remnant people of God. The mark of the beast will have engulfed the earth, and the faithful who remain after the dust has settled, would be living by faith alone. Let’s read:
Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
But before we delve into our study there are a few things we must understand about God, and the way He works in behalf of His people. God’s miraculous power must never to be requested to do that which we can do for ourselves. God does not work unnecessary miracles, for what ever He does, there must be a good valid reason for doing so. God provides food for the sparrows, but those birds better get themselves out of their nests, and search diligently for the food He has provided or else, themselves and their young ones will starve.
God provides food and grain for man, but he better not sit down at home during the day, playing video games and surfing the internet, expecting Amazon to ring his doorbell with Jeff Bezos’ groceries. Like the sparrow, man must work for his daily bread by the sweat of his brow, just like everyone else. When it came time to feed the five thousand, the lunch of a little boy was summoned and the blessing of Christ made it multiply. Jesus, who is the Creator of everything, could have called millions of peanut butter sandwiches out of thin air, but He does not do this when there are resources readily available.
The current practice of some contemporary pastors and televangelists, of offering unconditional healing to persons who make no effort to help themselves, or turn from soul destroying habits, is a diabolically opposite method to the way in which God operates, for throughout the Bible, cooperation between God and man in all things is to be clearly seen. The crippled man, who was carried by his friends to Christ first ended up on the roof of the house where Christ was teaching.
Then he encouraged his friends as they removed the tiles, and dismantled the roof, digging a big gaping hole in the home-owner’s roof, so that he could be let down. The woman with the issue of blood had become very weak, on account of the amount of blood she had lost over the years, and beyond the shadow of a doubt, the reserves of iron in her body had been severely depleted. Yet she struggled on through that throng of people, being pushed this way and that until she was barely able to touch the hem of Christ’s garment.
Then, in response to her faith and earnest efforts, Jesus did what she could never do for herself, and the rest is history. Faith without works is dead, and therefore, it would be futile for us to study the Interim Period, without first understanding some fundamentals about the way in which God manifests Himself to help us. In the seven years of plenty, God expected Joseph, and all the Egyptians to make well-directed efforts to try to provide for the crunch time that was on its way.
God provided the sunshine, and rain, and food in abundance, but the human agent would have to harvest and store the temporal blessings supplied. Thus, Joseph built numerous cities, and warehouses to store food for 14 years until the Bible says he had to stop counting. Extreme efforts on the part of the human agent are required, and then we are to trust God to take up the slack, all the while, praying, and hoping, and working, and believing all things.
Now, without the luxuries of refrigeration, and air conditioning, it must have been a serious challenge to preserve those vast supplies of food and grain for such a long period of time, without them spoiling, and thus he trusted to the miraculous power of God to take up the slack, after he had done his very best. The promises of God are sure to those who believe and who act upon their belief. But for us to sit down on our lees, claiming Christ’s promises, and looking for miracles without any effort on our part will lead to very great disappointment.
In everything that pertains to the sustenance, and well-being of man, both in spiritual and in temporal matters, cooperation with God is an absolute must. Any doctrine or teaching to the contrary constitutes a very serious delusion. Overcoming sin will require a desperate struggle on our part, if we would be victorious. That is why the Bible tells us to fight the good fight of faith and Paul exhorts us to mortify the deeds of the body through the power of the Holy Spirit, and James tells us to resist the devil, because there will be no “fleeing” without resisting.
That which we have no power to do, like providing sunshine and rain, and power to overcome God will supply, but anything, and everything else we could do for ourselves must be done to the maximum. We should never ever forget this. God fought for Gideon and his men, but they had to fight long, and hard, as if the victory depended on them alone. In fact, they came close to fainting with hunger, yet they pressed on, trusting in Christ, and cooperating with Him. Let’s read:
Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. 16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely, I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
Judges 8:4 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. 5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
[LT pp 117] The Lord wants us to do our work that He has given us to do with energy and perseverance as if success depended wholly on our efforts, and to look to God, and trust in Him, as the One who could make the work a success by His power working with our efforts.
principle will lead folks to exhaust all available supplies, and resources, before expecting Christ’s miraculous intervention. The current practice some have of claiming promises when there are resources and opportunities available at our fingertips is quite contrary to the way in which God works. Therefore, let us with a humble mind and teachable spirit trace the movements of God, as He provided for His people as they headed to the earthly Canaan for those experiences are to be carefully studied as we prepare for the heavenly Canaan. Let’s read:
Numbers 20:1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month; 2 And there was no water for the congregation, and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people chided with Moses, and spoke saying; 5 Wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed or of figs or of vines or pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
Water is an absolute necessity, especially so, in the desert where one’s need of fluid is expected to go up exponentially. God knows this more than we do, for He made us and therefore, the question is: Why would the miraculous stream that had supplied the Hebrews previously, suddenly cease to flow? The water ceased to flow, because there was other water that could have been accessed and therefore, the miraculous water God had always supplied, now became unnecessary. Wherever there are available resources, and opportunities, God’s supernatural power is not to be solicited or expected. Let’s read:
Deuteronomy 2: 2 And the Lord spoke unto me, saying, 3 Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward. 4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore. 6 Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. 7 For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.
Again, when the Hebrews were just about to enter Canaan, the manner ceased to fall, and the stream of miraculous water ceased to flow, because they were entering the land of milk and honey, where there would be food and drink in abundance, and therefore, unnecessary miracles ought not to be expected. Let’s read:
Joshua 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna anymore; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
Now that we have understood this important fact of exhausting available resources, so that unnecessary miracles are not expected, we will now turn to our study of the interim period, that time which elapses between the institution of the mark of the beast, and when all earthly support will finally be cut off from God’s remnant people. Of that cut-off time, the Bible specifically states that food and water will be provided for the faithful, so that there will be no need to worry. In other words, when the faithful can no longer buy or sell, God will step in to take up the slack. Let’s read:
Revelation 13:16 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. 17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
But, before such miracles take place, the remnant would have learned by experience that God would only step in to take up the slack when it’s absolutely necessary to do so, and therefore He has sent to us instructions on how we ought to prepare for that interim period. Let’s read:
[L.D.E pp 99>100] The physical surroundings in the cities are often a peril to health. The constant liability to contact with disease, the prevalence of foul air, impure water, impure food, the crowded, dark, unhealthful dwellings, are some of the many evils to be met.
Raise Your Own Provisions
The Lord desires His people to move into the country, where they can settle on the land, and raise their own fruit and vegetables, and where their children can be brought in direct contact with the works of God in nature. Again and again the Lord has instructed that our people are to take their families away from the cities, into the country, where they can raise their own provisions, for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one.
We should now begin to heed the instruction given to us over and over again. Get out of the cities into rural districts, where the houses are not crowded closely together, and where you will be free from the interference of enemies.
Now, there are other statements written by the pen of inspiration, which may seem, on the surface to contradict the statements we just read. But when studied closely, they would appear to be in perfect harmony because they were written under the inspiration of The Holy Ghost, Who never makes a mistake. Let’s read:
[Early Writings pp 56] The Lord has shown me repeatedly that it is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints had food laid up by them or in the field in the time of trouble, when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it would be taken from them by violent hands and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water will be sure at that time, and that we shall not lack or suffer hunger; for God is able to spread a table for us in the wilderness.
So, let’s understand the two statements, instructing us as to what course of action to pursue, when the time comes. The mark of the beast which will deny all commercial activity to those who refuse the false form of worship, will not begin at its most stringent level, for this is not how satan works. There are different stages to temptations, and thus, in the implementation of the national Sunday law, the use of force will be the last resort, after bribes entreaties, promises of promotion, offers to wipe out personal debt, and peer pressure have failed. Let’s read:
[G.C. pp 607] Some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith.
When Balak wanted Balaam to bow to his demands, he first used briberies of silver and gold, promotions to great honor, and social pressure by sending more high-ranking government officials. When these had failed, then he threatened Balaam’s own life; that’s because satan never employs force upfront when bringing temptations. He much more prefers that individuals and nations bow by their own choice, but if they choose not to, then he has no problem whatsoever of employing the use of force.
That’s why in times past during the dark ages, Christians were first asked to recant their faith and if they refused, then the burning stake was employed. The three Hebrew worthies were not at first cast into the burning fiery furnace. They were first given more than one opportunity to bow, but after they steadfastly refused, then the use of force was the next and last step. Again, we reiterate this fact, that the devil hardly ever uses force at the outset. Let’s read:
Numbers 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: 17 For I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. 18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
Numbers 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times. 11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honor; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honor.
Daniel 3:14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar; 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
When Joseph was being tempted by Potiphar’s wife satan did not move upon her, up-front, to grab him in a choke-hold. The devil first employed entreaties, enticements, nagging and solicitations to wear poor Joseph down. But when these failed to deliver the desired result, the use of force was at last resorted to, and the wife of Potiphar used “kung fu” to force Joseph’s hands. Let’s read:
Genesis 39: 7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
10 And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
Therefore, that interim period we keep referring to is very similar to the period of time which elapsed between the solicitations by Potiphar’s wife and the time she resorted to use force. The implementation of the mark of the beast will begin quite mildly and will be touted as being absolutely necessary for the greater good of humanity. This will take place for a while, while the screws are being gradually tightened down, and then stringent measures against all dissenters would be gradually increased, until it ripens into the use of brute force, which is referred to in Revelation. Let’s read:
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
During this time, between its initial implementation and the use of force, the faithful will have to live off of the produce they have grown in obedience to the instructions given. Then as the heat of the furnace is turned up several notches, resulting in the use of force, God will step in to provide miraculously for His people. Currently, there are long lines at various stores, and once filled grocery shelves have become quite bare. Then there are some essential products that have become quite scarce, and others are not so readily available.
While it is not necessary to horde, yet if we see that there are problems looming on the horizon, and if we see the wolf coming, it will be contrary to faith and good common sense, for us to sit back on our lees, claiming God’s promises, while not making any effort to mitigate the situation. Remember that cooperation with God in all things is a scriptural teaching, and thus, wherever we could make an effort to provide for ourselves, we should do so.
The widowed woman of Elijah’s day was out and about, gathering sticks so she could make bread for herself and her household as the famine put the nation of Israel in an iron grip. Claiming God’s promises is good, and always to be encouraged, and praying without ceasing is highly recommended. But, without well-directed effort on the part of those who claim to believe, we would be exchanging reality for fantasy because faith without works is dead.
In preparing for the interim period, let us always remember that practice makes perfect, meaning that our cooperation with God in both spiritual and temporal matters is a must. We therefore close with a passage of scripture which encourages us to act with wisdom and discretion. Let’s read:
Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.
God Bless!