Sometimes little children cry in anger, “That’s not fair.” I have known parents who answer, “Life isn’t always fair, and the sooner you realize that, the better off you will be.” I like my husband Lonnie’s answer even better. “The fair is where we go once a year.”
I wish I could say I don’t cry out to God in anger as an adult and tell Him “Life just isn’t fair.” This past year has been harder on me physically than any other year of my life (and I have had cancer three times and chemotherapy twice). The illness affects my whole body, even my mind, and depression sets in. I have pleaded to God for healing, explaining to Him (like He doesn’t already know) that I cannot serve Him the ways I believe I should when I am this ill.
So far, He hasn’t healed me. I am still waiting because I believe He can, and I will always ask until God gives me a definite answer. Instead, God has given me verses like Hebrews 6:10. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (NIV). When I tell my God, “I don’t have the energy to help anyone anymore,” He just gives me another verse. James 1:12 says “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (NIV).
That verse tells me life may never be fair for any of us. That’s why we look to heaven! We have a crown of life that makes all the hatred and sickness and heartache worth the wait. When life keeps knocking us down, it isn’t easy to always hold tight to this verse, but it is true nevertheless.
Next time someone stomps on your heart, you are sick, or events beyond your control make life almost intolerable, remember that God never promised a life of ease or a place that’s fair or just. Sadly, God’s people are sometimes the worst. They want the hurting Christian to overcome, to always be victorious, and to never complain. They want to believe Godly people can rise above difficult circumstances, and sometimes (because we are human) we just can’t. When life stinks, remember Isaiah 41:10. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God is the only help we need when people are imperfect and life knocks us flat. His hand is there just waiting for us to take hold of the one who knows above all others that “life isn’t fair.” Remember, God sent his son Jesus to be mocked, beaten and hung on a cross to die for the sins of others. Take your pain to Jesus who knows and understands above all others that life is just not fair.
