So many people claim to be able to tell the future – take the weather forecasters for example. “Today, there’s a 30% chance of light snow showers,” they say. Eight snow-filled inches later, you trudge back into your house after doing battle with your snow blower.

Often, we watch the weather on TV or check it on our apps so that we can plan for our day. We make decisions based on the weather predictions, despite how inaccurate they can be. So, why don’t we plan our lives around the accurate future forecasted within the infallible pages of Scripture? The Lord shows us so much that is to come in Revelation, yet, we neglect to use the resource He has given us.

In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the Lord uses seven different churches as examples for us to learn from. Some heeded the forecast of things that were to come and lived their lives pleasing the Lord, while others did not. To mention a few, Ephesus, forsook their first love and allowed false teachers to overtake the truth. On the other hand, Smyrna, although persecuted and poor, was found to be rich in Christ. Thyatira compromised with worldly perspective when it came to finances. Philadelphia was known for its love, while Laodicea’s hallmark was their lukewarm service.

Today, which church in Revelation would best describe our walk with the Lord? The Bible clearly states that the Lord’s return is imminent. We know that to be true of the future, yet, we live fulfilling our desires for houses, gadgets, clothes, and other material possessions as though the rapture was a distant thought. The truth is that we have limited time to accomplish God’s work. The forecast is clear, but are we prepared?