We have in scriptures several cases of individuals and entire people groups who were exempted from disasters. The Israelites were exempted from all the plagues that befell the Egyptians. When darkness filled the land of Egypt, Goshen had light. Elijah personally enjoyed exemption in the time of famine. After his pronouncement to Ahab that there would be no dew or rain, he was led to the brook at Cherith where he was nourished. When the brook dried up, he found sustenance again with the widow of Zarepath. God promised us exemption both from famine and sword. “In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword.” (Job 5:20 NKJV).

These two – righteousness and faith marked by obedience – are still good enough to qualify any one for exemption from famine, pestilence, and sword.

When God decided to destroy the earth, He exempted Noah. The Bible says that Noah found grace in the eyes of God. That means he was spared from the intended calamity. Why was Noah exempted from that disaster? There are two clues to this. First was his righteous walk. “This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9 NKJV). Noah carried on in the tradition of Enoch who walked with God and was caught up. The second reason was his faith which was expressed through obedience. “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7 NKJV). These two – righteousness and faith marked by obedience – are still good enough to qualify any one for exemption from famine, pestilence, and sword.