Read Genesis 41
God warned the Egyptian king through a dream that drought and famine were coming to his land. Joseph, a Hebrew prisoner, was asked to explain the meaning of the dream.
Joseph explained that there would be seven years of good harvest followed by seven years of crop failure. He then suggested some actions to cope with the crisis, and the king appointed him to carry out these actions.
Joseph organised administrators and buildings to store grain during the seven good years, instructing farmers to hand over one-fifth (20 per cent) of each year’s harvest to the government. This grain was then used during the seven years of famine.
Early warning
This story is about a hazard that was predicted, meaning that the population could prepare for it before it happened. Today, early warning of drought, storms and floods can help us also to take action in advance, reducing the impact of these hazards.
God used this planning project to save Jacob’s family and the future of Israel (Genesis 47). Disaster planning can be used by God to do good and achieve his purposes in the world.