From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

“I need a volunteer.” How many run away, far away, when they hear that question? The military makes it easy. Sarge says he needs a volunteer, looks over the group standing at attention and says, “You, you, and you…report to me after formation.” Simple!

God is not like that though. Ever wonder about that? The God of all power does not force His creation to come to Him. Perfect love might do that but perfect justice can’t allow it…and God is both!

For me, it’s simple, too. For example, I run races and get a medal when I cross the finish line. But you have to be registered in the race. Just running doesn’t get you the medal–registering does. No one forced me to enter; I volunteered, went through the grueling training and the more grueling marathon and got the medal. Mind you, now, I didn’t have to come in first to get the medal, I just had to register and complete the race.

So it is with the Lord. He won’t force you to sign up. You have to come to Him and register (saved, born again…whatever you want to call it). The neat part is He has paid your registration fee (with His life) and the race is free…you just have to come. From then on, He’s your trainer, too, and will never leave you nor forsake you out there. He will help you all the way across the finish line (eternity with Him).

What are you waiting for? C’mon, sign up for the race and get your number…it’s free! Endure the fire…it’s producing pure gold!

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