When Life’s Not Fair

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV)

Again, I had a different plan for today’s entry, but the Lord has other plans. We are told that God will provide knowledge in many ways, including dreams.

In a recent dream, a young girl who was hungry stole pizza from a family enjoying their meal together. When the girl was caught and the pizza seized and returned to the family, the young girl with tears streaming down her face  declared, “That’s not fair! I just wanted something to eat. I’m so hungry. ” it was evident by the girl’s clothing and hygiene that no one was taking care of her needs.  As I knelt down and looked at the young girl’s face, I said, “You are right, life is often not fair. Let me tell you what the Lord says about life. ‘In this world you will have trouble, but I have overcome the world.'” The alarm went off and I woke up.

This dream has been repeating itself in my mind. I know that the Lord was speaking to me.  Friends and family who really know me understand that I believe in justice and fairness.  Maybe I am the only one who feels that way. Perhaps you have never been affected by the person who cut you off on the drive to work or the coworkers who gossiped about you in the office. Maybe it never bothered you that people who neglect their children have no difficulties with pregnancy while you remain barren. Perhaps you have never struggled to pay your bills or lost a loved one too soon. Marriages end, people disappoint one another, we fail and have to try again. Maybe I am the only one who has ever wondered why life isn’t always fair.

In the book of Hebrews, chapter 10, the author is encouraging believers to hold onto their faith.  The apostle reminds them in verses 33-36. “Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”

This scripture points to hope, an eternal hope. One day in heaven, we will have no sorrow or pain. We will be healed physically because we will have a new body. We will get to spend eternity in the presence of our Father and to live in the light radiating from His glory. I need to remember that this world is not my home. Things here fade because they are temporary.  This world is filled with the hurting, the lost, and the broken.  It is around me but can not hold me. I will always be held in the hands of my loving God (John 10:28-29). Life may not always seem fair, but we, as God’s children, have the knowledge that He is always working for our good, and He always provides. Contentment in all circumstances, like Apostle Paul discusses, comes from complete trust in the Lord.

Do I have a better understanding of justice and fairness than God? Who am I? Did I lay my life down as a ransom for mankind? Did I carry the sin of the world to the cross? Did I travel to Hell to defeat death and Satan for all eternity? No, I don’t have enough understanding of justice, fairness, grace, mercy, or compassion. But I endeavor to lay more of myself down to embody the things of Christ more fully every day.

Thank you, Lord, that your grace and mercies are new each morning.  That you are patient in your teaching and preparation of my heart and spirit.