A few days ago, I saw a restaurant which I had not stepped foot into since about 1993, a "fast food" restaurant of great quality in my opinion. Currently the restaurant consists of a small chain with 22 restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, and one in West Virginia. There used to be one by my house when I lived near Falls Church High School in Virginia, yet it was closed at some point in the early 1990's. Yet for one year before it closed, while still living in Falls Church, I ate there frequently after work. You could classify me as a pescatarian now, since I rarely eat meat, and when I do it is usually fish. But back then I ate plenty of meat, and I thought their chicken was fantastic. I especially 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 simply there to visit since it has been over 20 years since I enjoyed their restaurant, and that I admired the quality of their food. That sparked a long conversation with the cool manager, and she told me many things about the history of the restaurant.
And 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 serving at that restaurant for all of these years. After a long conversation, she even offered me a job! Though unemployed and in need, I told her it would not be the fit for me. She said she could train me! I assured her it was not for me, yet I expressed I was grateful for her offer. (I am a slow food kind of worker, not a fast guy.) People started coming into the restaurant, so I let her go. I wish I had not have already eaten, since I would have liked to have ordered something, even just some fries.
Thinking about my talk that evening, I was genuinely happy for that manager’s successful career. (And I prayed for her, with a sense of thankfulness that she was so nice to me.) Yet as someone who is desperately looking for a long-term job, I felt sad I have never had such job longevity or security. I really questioned why God has allowed me to experience frequent job turmoil since I started following Jesus twenty-five years ago, including my desperate situation right now. I have earned four major work awards at four different places of employment, I have had oodles of work compliments, and I have always been a hard worker. And I worked so hard in my studies to earn a ministry degree, my career calling. Yet my home is a tent, and I am 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. There have been consistent occasions where I could have chosen to become bitter and resentful. There have been countless excuses to leave vocational ministry work.
Yet perseverance has resulted as I have turned to God at such times, and relied on Him for forgiveness, and to be enabled to forgive. Perseverance has resulted as I have had peace from Jesus, even during terrible circumstances.
I do not know why God allows so much suffering, including for people who are totally devoted to Him. I do know that sin abounds in this world, and the result is countless hurts. And praise be to God, I know the teaching of Scripture which proclaims that for those who will spend eternity in heaven, there will be only goodness, because Jesus has overcome evil and death. Jesus is the great Overcomer!
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, 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
