Fair or Foul

"That's not fair," is a cry we hear children declaring when something doesn't go their way. I remember as a child feeling that so much was just not right. I may have stamped my foot in frustration, thinking perhaps someone would take notice and make things right again. The thing is, my childlike attitude was reflective of my maturity level, quite low.

Now, in my grown-up world, I am witness to adults who exhibit the same childlike behavior when faced with difficulties or challenges of all kinds. Sure, the loss of a job often isn't fair, but a result of a weak economy. A dwindling savings account caused by an unexpected illness isn't fair either, but we learn as adults, the world isn't fair.

Matthew 20:30 (MSG)
³⁰  Suddenly they came upon two blind men sitting alongside the road. When they heard it was Jesus passing, they cried out, "Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!"

If we stomp our feet and pout every time we are face to face with injustice, people will soon tire of our attitude. So, what is considered just during times of unexpected peril? How do we justify our troubles? How do we look at them and decide to overcome?

When Jesus encountered the blind men referenced above, He knew their blindness was not because of any wrong doing or bad decisions, it was just a fact, unfair, but a fact.

Matthew 20:32-34 (MSG)
³²  Jesus stopped and called over, "What do you want from me?"
³³  They said, "Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!"
³⁴  Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant, and joined the procession.

When we encounter people caught up in the unfairness of life, we too can help. We only need to acknowledge their plight and step up to the plate. Ask the same question Jesus did, “How can I help?” Then pray and do what you can.