When Life Is Unfair

Earlier this week, we (that is, our church... more specifically, our VBS team) had our 2nd official volunteer meeting in anticipation of our upcoming Vacation Bible School program. All of us were given a "crew leader guide" and while it is probably unlikely that I will be doing any teaching during the week (and I say "probably unlikely" as I never really know for certain if I may be thrust into that role last minute due to unforeseen circumstances such as a staff shortage, a much higher than anticipated enrollment number, or any other matter that comes up as a result of "opening day adjustments")... but I digress... while it is unlikely, the theme for day one caught my attention.

The theme for day one of the week long VBS is "When Life Is Unfair... God is Good!"

Let me say that again. When life is unfair... God is good!

Wow. This message is one I can certainly take to heart... and it's true, too! Jesus Himself warned us "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33) Not "you might have trouble"... "you WILL have trouble."

Jesus goes on to say (still in John 16:33) "But take heart! I have overcome the world." Nahum 1:7 says... "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him."

A few years back, I went through an incredible amount of adversity. Things got so bad I seriously began to wonder where God had gone, or even if He cared. I struggled with deep depression, and it was so bad at one point (actually at several points) that I all can say is that I'm blessed that I made it through and am still alive.

It was not fair. None of the things I went through were fair, and most of them were not even my fault. I didn't think I was ever going to make it through.

But God... is good! I'm on the other side of the valley now. And while I would never in a million years want to repeat all the trouble I went through... there is still a lot of good that came out of it.

Folks... do not give up, no matter how hard things get... no matter how unfair life is... do not give up, the Lord is good. Focus on what is good in life. "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)

When life is unfair... God is good!

Blessings to you all,
Mike Kinnaly