We have been threatened with snow and ice three times in the last 2 weeks, and three times, we have been skunked. Areas all around us received the weather, but we metro Atlantans have been excluded from the road-blocking snow and ice. We got the cold, but none of the intrusions. I would say we have been “disappointed”, but many feel that we were “graciously missed”. Weather people, bless their hearts, compete with God when they give forecasts. God wins. They try. And occasionally, they get it just right, but that isn’t the norm. Often, they come close, thanks to technology, their training, and past history giving them the ability to follow patterns and predict outcomes.

In the South, predicting winter weather holds a special power. You can spin people into a frenzy by just breathing the word “snow”. Kids get hopeful, excited, and religious as they petition God for the predictions to be true. Worriers get worried that in the possible 1-3 days of weather, they will starve with no bread, milk, or power. First responders have to ponder whether they need to stay at or near their station so that they can report to work when and if the craziness of winter weather ensues, while the rest of society plans their vacation days. The point is, everyone prepares…based on the forecast.

Christian leaders/Christ followers have been predicting Jesus’s return for over 2000 years, and some folks diligently prepare themselves and warn others, but there are fewer of us doing so with urgency. It takes approximately 4 hours after a winter storm warning is issued until grocery stores are out of milk and bread, and retail home stores run out of propane to fuel generators and gas grills. What cracks me up is the fact that everyone flocks to put gas in their cars, but if we get an inch of snow or ice on the roads, no one goes anywhere, so the extra gas does nothing for them.

When we attend church regularly, we receive a weekly reminder that Jesus will return to gather His people. Sprinkle in some Bible Studies and private time with Jesus, and the number of reminders increases. But what do we do then? WE may be prepared, but what of those around us? Do we jump up and run to tell others about how they can be part of the posse that goes with our Savior to heaven? Do we reach out to the difficult, unlovable, odd, or unusual people around us to give them hope and encouragement that they are loved, seen, and valued by the one who created them?

I am guilty of putting off telling people about the hope and joy of Jesus. I have a specific friend the Lord has laid on my heart to share with, and I have allowed life to interfere and me to drag my feet. The Lord has extended the opportunity for me to share life with a dear friend. I am ashamed to say, I have not done it for 4 months. I pray that by telling you this, I will be immediately obedient. I pray that by telling you this, you, too, will listen to the Holy Spirit directing you to someone who needs this priceless gift.

Any minute, Jesus WILL come for us – or even more tragic, their life here will quickly be over. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” I Thessalonians 4:16-17

This is joyous, encouraging news that should challenge us to be bold. The pain of regret is much more severe than the pain of the discipline required to carry out our calling.

The rest of the verse from above is: “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:18

I pray we are all encouraged to prepare for the Lord’s return much more diligently than we prepare for a storm. The consequences of the former last for eternity!