"Overcomers"

 "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;" (Hebrews 11:37 KJV)

  "For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy." (James 5:10-11 NLT)

 This could be something about those who endured and withstood punishment, destruction, and death; yet my heart felt something different, as these were those who left a mark, leaving behind examples of what it really means to count the cost! Some things might look as though they are upsetting and totally wrong; but the Lord uses certain things for reasons unknown, most of which, many believers stumble over, thinking that God really doesn't care. 

 There was a message I heard the other day, which, I as always, I only hear portions of; but this particular message was about what Jesus did after He heard that John had been beheaded. The way it was said, is that Jesus retreated to a certain place, possibly to mourn the death of His cousin. When I heard that, I was wondering if that was really why Jesus wanted to be alone. 

 As it turned out, there was a multitude of His followers that found out where he was, about 5,000 of them, who came out to see Him. If you know the story, it was about Jesus feeding all of those people with just a few fish and a couple loaves of bread. But, if this makes any sense, whatsoever, I believe that Jesus was overcoming the pain of John's death, by satisfying the needs of others.

 Those who overcome the death of loved ones, mostly overcome by serving God more! They reject the whole notion of blaming God; as if He didn't answer their prayers or didn't care about the loss they were going to suffer. Instead, they focused upon the good: where they are now, what affect there dying could have done, and the testimony they are able to give, knowing and showing that God is always good...

"Then Job replied to the LORD: "I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I - and I was talking about things I know nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, 'Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.' I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance."" (Job 42:1-6 NLT)