Life is not fair. We will regularly find ourselves in situations in which we must submit to the expectations and demands of others whether we like it or not. And our many complaints won’t change the reality of what is. The better approach is learning to accept reality on its terms, while also trusting nothing is wasted in God’s story.
Kids are known to complain about the unfair conditions they believe their parents impose on them. And they might objectively be right in their observations. Of course, parents can, and perhaps should, try to correct these injustices whenever possible. But sometimes the greater lesson is teaching kids how to endure in the face of such injustices, as life will be filled with such moments.
From Joseph to David, Daniel, Paul, and Christ Jesus himself, history is filled with men falsely accused, imprisoned, and even put to death. And we don’t have to look far in our modern history to find countless other examples.
On the one hand, we should use the strength given to us to fight against injustices whenever we can. But there are many other times, in big and small ways, in which our efforts will not change our situation.
While we yield to reality on its own terms, this is not giving up or otherwise becoming complacent. It’s simply adjusting our heart attitudes as we endure – trusting God is with us and that he’s working things out in ways we cannot fully see or understand presently.
To be sure, the situation is still unfair. But now it has meaning. Whether God is using it to shape us, bless others, or some other divine purpose, we patiently suffer knowing he sees and that our pain is not wasted.
In the end, life is often unfair but this doesn’t mean it’s meaningless. Learn to bear the weight of your injustices with faith – trusting God is at work even when you don’t see it.
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