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.

In the real world...

Can't you just hear the whiny, childish protests from your toddler, who comes face to face with a situation he or she can't process, "Mom, that's not fair!"?

How many times as adults, did we enjoy telling our adolescent offspring who voiced a similar protest, "In the real world, life isn't always fair." Dare I ask how many of you rather enjoyed supplying that retort?

Matthew 5:11 (NIV)

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Many things in life are unfair, and nothing can be done about it but pray for God's will. That is quite a lot when you stop and think. To recognize and acknowledge a situation which reeks of dysfunction, and ask God to work it out for the good of everyone, is a real faith step. Turning a "not fair" panic cry, into an "I trust You, God," statement of faith, shows progress.

I need to put my trust in God, and not in myself. He has been so faithful to me in the past, I need to learn to trust Him. I know He will continue to be a loving and faithful God tomorrow.

When life isn't fair, and situations arise to break my heart or cripple my bank account or fracture a relationship, God is there and God is good, all the time!

Dear Jesus,

Strengthen my faith this week. Show me where I need to trust you more. Fill me with confidence only the Holy Spirit can bestow.  Amen.

Matthew 5:1-11