Roadblocks

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Roadblocks
Obstacles to Job App

Q. I've applied for a job as a substitute teacher. I have a degree, passed all the tests, but I have a spot on my record due to something I did over 25 years ago. They are making me "jump through hoops" to qualify because of my error. This hardly seems fair for something that happened so long ago. Should I give up? Is the Lord telling me to stop? When should we quit trying when so many roadblocks keep us from something we want?

Answer:

Due Diligence

Isn't this a frustrating occurence just when so many workers like you desperately need jobs? But, in this day and age most organizations have to show due diligence and cover themselves as much as they can before hiring workers. Experience has shown them that an individual's past problems can make an organization liable to heavy lawsuits if something should go wrong.

For example, think of the disgruntled employees who "flip-out" and shoot fellow workers. There are even Sunday School teachers who molest or cause other problems for children. So churches have to screen potential teachers with thorough background checks and fingerprinting just to work with their tiny tots!

Take heart, however. Many heroes of the Bible made poor choices and mistakes but went on to become great leaders. Not all of them had perfect records or found things easy, either.

Moses

Consider Moses, for example. He spent over 40 years in the desert training to be God's leader. Then he dealt with feisty, rebellious, complaining people as he tried to get them into the Promised Land. Finally, in a fit of despair and frustration Moses "struck" a rock he was supposed to gently speak to and God forbid him from entering the Promised Land! Does that seem fair? Yet, Moses is the most honored, revered prophet in the Old Testament. He later appeared in shining glory with Christ on the mountain top.

Joseph

Talking about unfair circumstances! Poor Joseph's only minor mistake was to share a dream with his family. While the dream's content revealed a role of future rulership that irritated his brothers it hardly warranted such brutal treatment and rejection - selling him into slavery in dreaded Egypt. Then Joseph had to spend over a decade in a stinky, underground jail for more lies and false accusations.

David

Poor David was treated horribly after learning he was to be Israel's future king. Jealous, rageful King Saul tried to murder David many times and David was constantly fleeing for his life. He had no comforts, no home to speak of, and lived a hard life. Friends betrayed him and the king wanted him dead. What a life, huh?

Why the Harsh Treatment?

Why would God subject His beloved children to such harsh treatment in our lives on earth? What does God want from us? What are we supposed to do when life throws us unfair curve balls and roadblocks?

Indeed, why do we have to work so hard just to achieve minor things? Why are we always running into difficulties with bosses, co workers, friends and family? It seems that Christians get more than their fair share of unfair treatment in life.

Training for Reigning

The concise answer is that we are being given on-the-job training for ruling in the kingdom of God. This is "training for reigning."

We already know that legislating and ruling jobs within our United States government require certain skills (or should). In the same way, ruling and dealing with all kinds of angels and men on the New Earth in a new universe will also require great people skills and artful, managerial abilities.

Managing Nations, Resources&Environment

Remember, we were originally meant to rule on this earth taking care of and managing animals, nations, resources and the environment. But, we blew it! Eventually God will have to blow-up our present earth (talk about "global warming") and get rid of all the pollution through fire and total destruction.

"Burn Baby Burn"

The apostle Peter tells us "the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:12-13, ESV).

Boot Camp

So now we are in a celestial "boot camp" learning how to prepare ourselves to overcome forces hostile to God throughout the known universe. We are learning to trust God through our prayers and faith in Him, and to overcome evil with good. Those are God's requirements and techniques for success in the new universe.

Reconcilers

Our goal will be to reconcile all things to the Lord "so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10).

Celestial Missionaries

You could say that we will be doing "missionary work" throughout the heavens.

As it stands right now not everything is subjected to God, is it? The author of the book of Hebrews says it this way:

"You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him" (Hebrews 2:8).

The Goal of Subjecting all Things to God

Subjecting all things to God is the goal and summary of history. As of now it is unfinished business. But, it will be done once Christians rule with Christ and subject every living being in the universe to Him.

In a glorious future we will be ruling over the works of God's hands - which encompasses the "heavens, the moon and the stars" as described in Psalm 8:3-6.

Therefore, we cannot know at present what kinds of creatures and planets will become our "territories" to rule. But, we can be sure that it will require us to use the people skills and managerial abilities we are learning now - here on earth.

Military Precision

So…lift up your heads…chin up! Christians are learning military precision and the ability to keep order. Jesus said…"and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Luke 22:29).

In other words, Jesus has conferred a kingdom on His followers. Those who have served Him faithfully in this life will rule to varying degrees in the Kingdom of His universe.

We want to hear Him say:

"Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things - enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).

Keep on Keeping on

So "keep on keeping on" and do all things as if you were working for the Lord and not for men.

Paul says it this way: "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:23-24, NASB).

Go for it!