From the Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

In the military you have to learn a lot about survival. It is important that you pay attention in all of those classes and training sessions because the job of the military often requires its members to be in harm's way in an often spartan environment. So it is for those who serve the Great Commander, because a life serving God is so much like being in the military. You better listen up when God tells you how to get through the day. It may be through the "heat" of a difficult relationship; it may be in the "dark" of confusion; it may be in the "battle" of temptation, wherever it is, God shows us how to survive because He is the best Commander you will ever have. He tells us to put on the "armor of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17).; He understands your fear (Psalm 27:3), He understands lonliness and separation (Luke 5:16, Isaiah 59:2) and He understands temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). No warrior would ever go out on the battlefield without protection and direction...make sure you do the same or else you'll get slaughtered in the battle of life. Endure the fire! 

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