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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Jill Marin

Have you ever considered coming to God, but felt turned off by “religious” people you have encountered? Have you felt you have more life to live first? Have you felt that you are not good enough? My friend, it is time to get ready. Why not?

We can come to God despite how others may act. People are human. People make mistakes; God does not. People can fail; God does not. People can act unlovingly; God does not.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” — 1 John 4:8 NIV

Perhaps you or a loved one have been wounded by those who should have been friends. God is ready to heal you. Perhaps you have viewed religious people as hypocrites. Even if they are, God is not. God is ready to show you his love. Give him a real try. Why not?

We can come to God even when we don’t know how our lives may change. Maybe we think being a Christian is boring. Maybe we think it is no fun. As Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10.

I can testify that when we really live our lives for God, there is never a dull moment. He gives us joy and turns our mourning into dancing, (Psalm 30:11), and he is always there when we need him. (Psalm 46:1)

Maybe we think we are too busy. Let go of the stress. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

When we trust in him, we will not be disappointed. (Romans 10:11) God is ready for you to trust him. Why not?

We can come to God even when we feel we are not good enough. We can never be good enough to merit Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us. We can never be good enough to work our way into God’s graces. We, all of us — you and I — have sinned. We have missed the mark. We have failed. Oh, yes, more than once; many times, miserably. We have hurt others. We have hurt ourselves. You know what? None of that matters when we come to God.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” — Jeremiah 31:34b

We are all in the same boat — sinners. We are in the same boat — saved by grace. We are in the same boat — redeemed by Christ.

Isn’t that a beautiful thing? In fact, when we are forgiven so much, we are able to love much. (Luke 7:47) We are that much more free. The gift of salvation is free. Take advantage of it. Why not?

Set your doubts aside, your reasonings and your failings. God is here now. He is ready and willing to receive you. I guarantee you will not be sorry. My friend, the time is now. Why not?

Jill Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.