When Life Is Unfair
Matthew 14:24 "But the boat was already a considerable
distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it."
(NIV)
If I was where God wanted me, why were things going south? Isn’t smooth sailing
a sign of God’s blessings?
Job’s friends thought so. One discouraging report after another arrived.
Property, children, servants; all gone in a matter of minutes. Then he was
afflicted with a case of boils and a faithless wife to boot. His fair weather
friends cameled over and told him unconfessed sin was the reason for his
troubles.
Jesus’ disciples were probably confused too. They had watched Jesus feed five
thousand plus with five loaves of bread and two fish. Then he told them to cross
to the other side of the lake.
Obeying and now far from land, they encounter a fierce storm. The wind and waves
were merciless. Seemed pretty unfair for a group of men who had left all to
follow him.
Ever been there? You worked hard for your spotless credit record, only to have
your spouse leave you and the bills. Now the creditors are pouncing.
Or you reared your children by adhering to the “Train up a child in the way they
should go and when they’re old they will not depart from it” principle. But they
did and trampled on your heart in the process.
Actually, God never promised life would be fair; only that he would be with us
and take the bad and mold good from it. Expecting life to be fair sets us up for
disappointment with God and can also lead to bitterness.
When Jesus came to the disciples walking on water, Peter wanted to walk to him.
He didn’t make it far because he began looking at the circumstances instead of
Jesus. But Jesus didn’t let him sink. He took his hand, placed him back in the
boat and calmed the storm.
Difficult and unfair circumstances give God the opportunity to shine his
goodness and power into our life. Like Peter, we need to trust him by faith
regardless of the situation or whether we understand the reason for it.
Prayer: Holy Father, enable us to trust Your wisdom when life deals us unfair
blows.
Martin Wiles mandmwiles@homesc.com
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
www.morningliteministry.com