Ever heard those words? At work, from a child, on TV? Maybe even said them yourself. I have. Broken promises, unmet dreams, failed plans, betrayal, health problems, accidents, so many difficulties, disappointments, and disasters leave us muttering, Why me? IT’S NOT FAIR!

Jesus agrees. It isn’t fair…here. In this world you will have trouble. ¹ He even says the world will hate us. I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ² In the end, however, He promises that all will be made right.

Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.³ Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. ⁴

Unfairness in life should be expected.

When this life is over, we will have heaven, find rewards, and be with Jesus – forever! We can see what lies ahead and not keep staring at what’s in the past. As Paul wrote, Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize. ⁵

And the unfairness in this world? All this is proof that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled. ⁶

Our earthly life isn’t going to always be fair. It’s just not. We live in a fallen world. We, too, have sinned and disobeyed Jesus’ commands. And the consequences are clear. Evil, wrong, disease and death exist among us. From God’s point of view, the unfairness of this life should be expected.

Jesus’ promises go beyond what is fair.

Yet for those who follow Him, Jesus has changed the outcome. He gives us a new life. The unfairness we experience now is but the blink of an eye over the course of eternity, as even our earthly life is merely a moment in time. You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ⁷

But what about the Now? Jesus still promises us…abundant life (I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. ⁸), the fruit of His Spirit (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ⁹), and more importantly, Himself (I am with you always, to the very end of the age. ¹⁰).

So be encouraged! When things don’t go your way today, think of all the tomorrows He has in store for you. Push ahead and smile. Because for you and eternity, it’s not fair. IT’S BETTER!

Take care and be God’s,

 

Hal
 

 

 

Hal Harris is a member of the Board of Directors of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. He is also a past Chairman of the Board and contributor to the Notes of Encouragement. Hal and his wife, Brenda, live in Buford, Georgia, USA. You can learn more about Hal and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.
 

 

                         The original of this Note appeared on July 2, 2007.

 

Footnotes: (1) Read John 16:33. (2) Read John 15:18-19. (3) Read Matthew 19:28-29. (4) Read Revelation 22:12. (5) Read Philippians 3:13-14a. (6) 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. (7) Read James 4:14. (8) Read John 10:10b. (9) Galatians 5:22. (10) Read Matthew 28:20.
 
Pictures: Banner: . (1)  (2) I Go To Prepare, a poster by Knowing-Jesus.com. (3) Poster of 1 Corinthians 2:9, creator unknown.