It’s Not Fair
IT’S NOT FAIR
Read Acts 16:22-31.
“I didn’t make the basketball team, Dad.” Joseph slumped into a chair as he came in from school. “I’m not bragging, but I do play basketball well.”
“Yes, you do, Son,” agreed Dad, “but there were only two openings on the team. Who was it that the coach chose?”
“Aiden—we all expected that. He is good! But Randy got the other opening. In the tryouts, I made more baskets than he did, and I dribbled the ball longer. But his dad is a teacher at school, and I think that’s why he made it,” Joseph said.
Dad sighed. “I suppose that’s possible. You could talk to the coach,” he suggested. “But be careful not to say things you can’t prove. And, Joseph, you must learn that life isn’t always fair. You must also learn to have a Christlike attitude no matter what happens.”
“Aw, Dad,” Joseph whined.
“Think of Paul and Silas. It wasn’t fair that they were thrown in jail for preaching about the Lord,” continued Dad, “and yet they sang! They didn’t let unfair actions get them down.”
“I know this is a hard experience, but you can learn something from it. Ask the Lord to show you what to do. You’ll come out of it a stronger and more mature Christian.”
Joseph sighed. He knew his dad was right. Being upset wouldn’t do any good. He would ask the Lord to help him turn a bad experience into a growing one.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you ever treated unfairly? It happens to everyone. The next time you’re faced with an unfair situation that you can’t change, remember Paul and Silas—instead of complaining, they sang! God used them through that experience, and he can also use you. Maintain a good attitude. Grow through what has happened.
TO MEMORIZE:
He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!
Deuteronomy 32:4
GROW THROUGH UNFAIR SITUATIONS.
From the book
