The Overcomer - John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

   In a town where I have never lived, sleeping in a tent in a campground, I have been looking for employment.  A few days ago, I saw a restaurant which I have not stepped foot into since about 1993, a "fast food" restaurant of great quality in my opinion.   It is a small chain restaurant which has 22 restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, and one in West Virginia.  There use to be one by my house when I lived near Falls Church High School in Falls Church, Virginia, yet it was closed at some point in the early 1990's.  Yet for one year before it closed, when I started working in Washington D.C. while still living in Falls Church, I ate there frequently after work.  You might classify me as a pescetarian now, since I rarely eat meat, and when I do it is usually only fish.  But back then I ate plenty of meat, and I thought their chicken was fantastic, and I liked how you could add your own toppings to burgers.  I thought the quality of their food was top notch!
   So I had to go in and check the place out.  To my fortune no one was ordering food when I stepped in, and the manager and a number of the workers were at the counter ready to serve.  Stating I had already eaten, I explained I was there to visit since it has been over 20 years since I enjoyed their restaurant in Falls Church, and that I admired the quality of their food.  Ending up in a long conversation with the cool manager, she told me many things about the history of the restaurant, and we had a nice conversation.
   Before I left as people were starting to come in the restaurant, the manager told me she started working for that company on August 8, 1989, at age 15.  She started off making minimum wage, which at that time was $2.75 an hour.  She has worked there ever since.  She said originally she wanted to be a lawyer.  But she has persevered with employment for that restaurant all of these years.
   After talking with her, I was genuinely happy for her successful career.  Yet as someone who is desperately looking for a job, I felt sad I have never had such job longevity or security.  I really questioned why God has allowed me to experience such frequent job turmoil a number of times since I started following Jesus twenty-five years ago, and right now.  I have earned four major work awards at four different places of employment, I have had oodles of work compliments, I have always been a hard worker, and I worked so hard in my studies to earn a ministry degree, my career calling.  Yet I am homeless and unemployed.
   Two people recently have referred me to John 16:33.  It is a reminder that followers of Jesus have challenges in this world we would not have otherwise.  However there is a peace Jesus offers which we would not have otherwise.  I have had such job challenges, starting with the first youth pastor job I ever worked, that I would have become bitter or resentful, and never done any more vocational ministry work, if it were not for the peace which Jesus made and makes possible.  Jesus offers forgiveness of our sins, the sins of which bring hurt to ourselves and other people.  And He enables us to forgive others who have sinned and hurt us, and the result is a peace that passes understanding, even during job turmoil.
   Since I did not turn to Jesus until I was 22, and since I was already into secular music, I was a bit "late" into the Christian music world.  My first Christian concert I think was Steven Curtis Chapman at George Mason University's arena in the mid 1990's.  My second Christian concert was likewise one I wanted to see.  It was Big Tent Revival, an extremely talented band in my opinion.  Near the end of the concert, Steve Wiggins explained the Gospel in one of the most clear manners of any Christian singer I have ever heard who told the Gospel, and I have been to a number of Christian concerts since.  And in the midst of his talk, Steve said something which has played out ever since that memorable night for a baby Christian of about 27 years of age.  He said if you have decided not to follow Jesus, life in this world is the closest you will ever come to heaven.  And he said that if you have decided to follow Jesus, be consoled, because this is the closest you will ever come to hell.  He was correct.  For eternity in heaven there will be only goodness, because Jesus has overcome evil and death.  Jesus is the great Overcomer!
   I do not know why God allows so much suffering, including for people who are totally devoted to Him.  To be honest, sometimes I feel like God does not offer the best to me, even though I have submitted my life to serving Him.  Yet God is always working to give me the best, sanctifying me in the process.  People may not give me the best, but God wants such for people.  Yet this world is full of evil, and for those who are doing God's will, there will be suffering, maybe much suffering.  Yet God completely cares for His children!  And if I was not a follower of Jesus and did not have His guidance and encouragement all these years, I know I would be suffering in my heart, if not my circumstances.
   And going back to the issue of heaven and hell, Scripture teaches all people have sinned, just as Romans 3:23 states, and all through the Bible it is shown or told of how we all need a Savior.  Jesus Christ died on a cross for the forgiveness of sins of anyone.  He was the penal substitution for the wages of sin, which is spiritual death in hell.  If you believe in Jesus, you will be saved from hell, and you will have eternal life with Jesus in heaven, and even now.  Now the choice is yours as to whether or not you will follow Jesus.  Jesus loves everyone.  Jesus loves you!
love,
Hunter