F.A.I.R.

How many times do we dwell on or complain about the “unfair” things that we see happening in our lives…whether big or little instances?

Why is it that we think everything should be “fair” with only good things occurring?

Have you ever viewed that these “unfair” things might actually be teaching us something greater?  Maybe they are part of a divine plan.

 

My sharing this week is a result of being inspired through another sermon that I recently heard. May you, too, be inspired through the thoughts shared here….

 

What are some events or situations in your life that come to mind that life threw at you that seemed totally unfair?

 

–That incurable disease diagnosis

–That house that got destroyed

–That marriage that did not work out

–That friend that deserted you

–That business deal that fell through leaving you bankrupt

–Being falsely accused of something that tarnished your reputation

–Not making a particular team that you deserved to?

 

 

What makes us think things are unfair?

 

–When there is some kind of tragedy or adversity?

–When things aren’t all good and perfect?

 

What if we tried to change our perspective from thinking about it all as being unfair but rather as another opportunity to grow….

to grow in faith…

to grow in trust?

 

Photo courtesy of 语录 图说 under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

 

Why, when we continually persist in prayer to God, do these “unfair” things still happen?

Maybe, just maybe, God wants to give us something else?  Maybe, just maybe, He is working things out for our good….even when we don’t know what that is!

 

 

When life throws you lemons, go ahead, and make some lemonade!

 

 

I thought it perfect that I read this line a few days ago that I believe is fitting:

God gives what’s best to those who leave the choice to Him!

 

 

What if, when some unfair things come your way, you look at it as a way to think about it as an opportunity to practice the word F.A.I.R. instead?

Maybe, just maybe, the unfair things help us to model F.A.I.R.!

 

 

 

 

 

 

F—Forgive

Whatever the “unfairness” is, can you truly forgive….forgive a person if it is warranted….forgive the situation? Release the hurt like a vapor in the wind?

A—Authentic

Can you be so brutally honest sharing your hurt and feelings of heartache with God, your Father…The One who really does understand you? He has very broad shoulders and can even handle our tantrums!  Nothing will stop His love for us!

I—Identity

Through it all, can you keep your focus on what is really of paramount importance? Knowing that your true identity is solely based on knowing that you are a son/daughter of God most high?

R—Relationships

Look for how God can use your situation to help another. Can you allow God to continue to use your relationships with others to maybe help someone else up from where they were to where they are suppose to be?

 

 

Who do you know that modeled F.A.I.R. while facing the ultimate unfair thing in this world?

Yes, indeed, Jesus Christ!!

 

Jesus was condemned, condemned to death, death on a cross, severely bruised and beaten for sins that HE DID NOT DO!!!

I consider that pretty unfair!

 

 

 

Think about how Jesus took the unfair situation and turned it into F.A.I.R…..

 

Jesus FORGAVE and asked God to forgive those that were putting Him to death….

As Jesus was led to His crucifixion, He said, 

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.  –Luke 23:34  (ESV)

 

Jesus was AUTHENTIC–expressing to God that honestly, He was wishing He did not have to face the cross….

 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”  –Luke 22:42  (NLT) 

 

Jesus knew His IDENTITY–Jesus knew He was God’s Son…that they were really One.

I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one–as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.  –John 17:21  (NLT)

 

Jesus was in right RELATIONSHIP–Jesus’ death on a cross was to make ALL other relationships right with God!

For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.  –2 Corinthians 4:11 (NIV)

 

 

This week, when unfair things occur in your life, see how you can turn it into F.A.I.R. and remember Romans 8:28:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  (NIV)