Tag: God

The Ultimate “it’s not fair”

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I hear it from my kids all the time…”Mom, it’s not fair!”

Sometimes I think it or say it.

The nicest person you know is diagnosed with a terminal illness…it’s not fair.

The most devoted mother is tragically killed in a car accident...it’s not fair.

The hurricane batters a town still recovering from the last one…it’s not fair.

Unless you have buried your head in the sand, you know all too well life can seem unfair. Why me? Why her? It’s not fair.

But then we break out the eternal measuring stick.

Jesus

He was born a baby in a manger…it’s not fair. He should have had the best room in the house, not a smelly barn full of animals.

He was accused, betrayed, beaten, and hung on a cross…it’s not fair. He didn’t do anything wrong.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

Sometimes it feels like the “bad” people get away with things…it’s not fair! But the Bible says otherwise.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. Matthew 12:36 ESV

Things on earth will never be perfect. This is earth, not heaven. But it is reassuring to know one day, all of our “it’s not fair” feelings will melt away.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 ESV

When things seem unfair, remember Jesus died for us, to carry the weight of our sin, even though He was perfect. Like most things, this is easy to believe when life is smooth. But when trouble comes and things get rocky, it will take a very firm foundation, built on knowing God and reading His word, to put things into perspective and keep the “it’s not fair” mindset from taking over.

Sometimes I picture God up there looking down on us, crossing our arms and stomping our feet, anxiously pacing back and forth because we don’t think something is fair. He can see, know, and hear all things. While we see one beach, He sees the whole ocean. We see one starry sky, He sees the whole galaxy. Yet we think we know better!

‘Ah, Lord God ! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
Jeremiah 32:17 ESV

…and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Revelation 1:18 ESV

So rest easy today. God is in control. God is fair. God loves you.

Fraud alert

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The other day I was back to school shopping with the kids and my bank grew suspicious. I received a fraud alert text and my card was shut down until I responded “yes.” It was in fact ME spending entirely too much money at the mall. #daughters

While I am thankful for these type of alerts, I am weary of another kind of fraudulent activity.

Do you ever do/say/post/write something and feel like a fraud?

Lately stress from various parts of my life has been really, well, stressful. I am so short fused. Yet, I tell my kids to be patient with each other. I feel like a fraud.

I am moving 100 miles an hour, but I tell my kids to slow down and chill. I feel like a fraud.

I am almost a year into reading my Bible, and I have learned a lot. It has been a great habit, but I am still not fully transformed. Some people talk about their transformation. Hmm, well I still have a short fuse and a bit of a potty mouth. Something isn’t working here. I feel like a fraud.

I make lists of things I am grateful for and tell everyone who will listen how it is such a life changing habit. Then I complain about this or that. I feel like a fraud.

I preach healthy eating, then I scarf down a sleeve of cookies and Coke. I feel like a fraud.

I am blessed with some amazing friends who share in my struggle. We are not alone. We all have bad days!!

The good news is we are who God made us… bad habits and all! He is not surprised. When we snap at our spouse, God doesn’t think, “Wow! I didn’t see that coming.”

He knows.

So instead of feeling like a fraud, why don’t we feel thankful for our nuances and ask God to show us how to use them for good.

It’s a Heart thing ♥

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Lately I have been praying Psalm 51:10: Create in me a pure heart, O Lord, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Often I can recognize when I am not doing things for the right reasons, or when I am doing things I shouldn’t be doing.

When the motives of our heart are in line with God, I think a lot of other things naturally fall into place. You have to start deep on the inside.

But…

Life is challenging. Recognizing behavior and changing behavior are 2 very different things!

Can I get an Amen?!

Our impure hearts can easily line up with the world view rather than God’s view.

But I want to want what God wants.

Gods says: I want you to forgive that person.

The world says: They don’t deserve forgiveness. I want to repay an eye for an eye so they know how it feels.

Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.

God says: I want you to stop watching that show.

The world says: But it’s so funny and entertaining. I need time to just veg out and unwind.

1 John 2:6: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

God says: I want you to make time for me and put me first.

The world says: There are so many other things I have to get done. There is not enough time.

Mathew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

God says: I want you to stop arguing over your disagreements.

The world says: But I know I am right and they are wrong!

2 Timothy 2:23: Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

God says: Show them love.

The world says: They aren’t worthy of my affection.

John 13:35: By this all people will know that you are my disciple, if you have love for one another.

God, I want to want what You want. Change my heart. Create in me a pure heart. Let my heart’s desire be to follow your lead, listen for your voice, and take that step in faith, even if it goes against what the world thinks I should do. Give me an eternal perspective. Amen