Keith B. – NotUnknown.com
Life isn’t fair. Shocker, right? Maybe we should approach life with this philosophy. We can only trust God. Only, God doesn’t operate under my definition of fair either. Trustworthy, yes. Fair, not so much. Well, not my definition of fair.
Webster defines fair as “marked by impartiality and honesty : free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism.” That explanation of fairness doesn’t align with my view of the world. I have come to expect to NOT be treated honestly and with impartiality. Whether at work, personal relationships, and in any interactions with other people.
Joseph knew all about being treated unfairly. His own brothers sold him into slavery, lied to his father about him being killed by a wild animal, and held on to that story for years. His employer’s wife accused him of sexual misconduct, protecting herself and her own depravity. His fellow prisoner whom he helped forgot him for two years, despite the promises he made to Joseph to remember him when released.
This week, my oldest son learned about unfairness. He came face to face with the harsh reality that all who tell you they have your best interests as their top priority can’t be trusted, even university professors and leaders. Even leaders in those positions will take credit for your work and seek to profit from it.
How do we respond when we know life is unfair? We turn to the only one we can trust. Genesis 39:21 states, “But the Lord was with Joseph and Joseph lived like he knew the Lord was with him.” Joseph knew all about unfairness. His circumstances testified to skepticism and lack of trust for others, including family. So Joseph trusted God.
Step 3 reminds me that God is the only one to whom I can trust with my life and my will. Romans 8:28 reminds us why: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Who can you trust today?
