Not Fair!

Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Key Verse: v4 – “who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God”

Title: Not fair!

“It’s not fair!” cried my heart when we received the results of a virus test.  “Why not me Lord, my husband does not deserve this. He is a good man, he prays a lot for sick people, for those who are grieving and for many who are in need.”  I thought my husband did not deserve this illness that has wreaked havoc in many countries of the world.  Many have suffered, lost their jobs, their livelihood, and their loved ones.  As I lamented and complained to the Lord that morning, my Bible reading happened to be in Hebrews.

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. (Hebrews 5:7 NIV) 

After reading these verses, I realized that, yes, my husband did not deserve to suffer from this illness, but neither did Jesus deserved the punishment of death on the cross. Jesus was a perfect man, but He still suffered humiliation, affliction, and death on the cross. It was not fair either.  We may feel that we do not deserve bad things in life, but Jesus reminded us that,

“No one is good—except God alone.  (Luke 18:19 NIV)

With the unwanted diagnosis, the next few days were difficult for my husband and me.  However, we saw the hand of God at work, getting us through each day.  We are grateful that in our case, the symptoms were mild, and that God saw us through.  

Later on, when we heard of other friends who have experienced the same illness, we were able to pray for them and encourage them. We saw God has a purpose in every situation, whether good or bad, to cause all things to work together for good. (See Romans 8:28).  

Reflection: Trust God when things in life seem not fair. God has His purpose and reason in every situation.