Last night I was part of a discussion including a very touchy topic: The fairness of God.
We aren’t ever sure what to make of life when catastrophic circumstances occur to good, godly people. Jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald produced truth in perfect pitch when she sang, “Into each and every life some rain has got to fall.” Jesus said something similar in a way only He could…
“ …that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
-Matthew 5:45
No one can escape trouble. However, the human condition works in such a way that we tend to focus so much on the weight of our own afflictions, we cannot see the suffering of others. We look at the outside of people’s lives rather than pray for the opportunity to read the inside of their hearts. We become so wrapped up in our own needs that we stare at the gaping emotional wounds of everyone around us and somehow see pictures of perfection.
Everyone hurts. It comes in waves and seasons.
When we lost our baby girl over twenty years ago, someone told us they felt guilty because everything seemed to be going so well for us that they were jealous… until they weren’t. Because the rain which fell on July 2nd, 1996 changed our lives forever, and no one is jealous of pain.
There is an enemy who wants to manipulate our thoughts, an enemy who wants us to believe God is unfair. And, the truth is, when it comes to our own definition of fairness, we should be thankful He isn’t fair, because our sin nature deserves death and hell. Instead, He sent His Son Jesus, grace fell, and hope rose up declaring victory. For us.
Friend, I desperately want to tell you that life will get better and the fight you’re facing won’t last forever, but I don’t know for sure. I have no idea how long you’ll face your current condition or how long it will be until the next problem occurs. But, I can tell you this: God is for you, not against you. He is good and always does good. Hope lives where faith lives and when it seems as if the people who have cheated, lied, and stolen are dancing in victory… just focus on Him. When it seems as if other Christians are rising to the top and you’re slowly sinking to the bottom… just focus on Him. Take your eyes off yourself and seek Him inside His word.
Live your purpose, anyway. In my upcoming book, I refer to it as anyway obedience.
In the midst of heartache, grief, depression, and confusion, hold fast to the One who holds it all.
(Tweet this to encourage someone!)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
-Psalm 27:1
Will you open your Bible to Psalm 27:1 with me? Let’s look closely at this Psalm…
- “The Lord is my light…” He is your light, which means He will lead you through the dark.
- “…and my salvation…” He is your salvation, which means He will save you from the trap of thinking you were meant to live a life of despair and suffering. You were born for more! He alone will give you the hope of eternity.
- “…whom shall I fear?” You have no reason to fear anything because the living God is on your side.
- “The Lord is the strength of my life…” When you are weak He is your strength. Even when you feel strong He’s still holding you up!
- “…of whom shall I be afraid?” You don’t have to be afraid. Do you know that the command “Do not fear” is listed more than 365 times in the Bible?
For today’s homework, please write down Psalm 27:1, and make a list of each part of the verse I outlined above. For each bullet point, name a time He has proved Himself to you. For example:
- During what situation was He light to you?
- How has He saved you?
- Name a reason you don’t have to fear.
- Name a time you were weak and He proved strong.
- Declare that you will not be afraid!
It’s too easy to forget what He’s done for us in the past when our present is in utter chaos. I find that when I remember what He’s done, He reminds me that he will do it again. He is a faithful God! And, His mercy tells me He will continue to save me again, and again, and again… forever.
When you’re done with your list, choose one of the bullet point topics and post about it on social media. Use the hashtag #ActivatingYourPurpose so that we can find each other.
Love,
Jennifer
For more information on this series, click here to read the introduction and scroll down to previous posts and learn what’s ahead.
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