Proverbs 14:30 – A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (NIV)

Don't you just hate it when it appears that evil has won at the game of life? The guilty party gets off on a technicality; the person always causing problems on the board refuses to step down, which leads to the loss of good leaders; the liar is believed, and the innocent are punished; the dictator continues to get his way, as hundreds of thousands continue to suffer; the shyster pulls off the perfect con at the expense of the elderly. All of these examples and many more make it very clear that life is absolutely not fair nor just, even for the Christian. So what do we do when we find that we have been beaten at the game of life, when in our hearts we know that we should have won the round, but instead, God has allowed us to be pinned to the mat? This is the question which challenged me not long ago, and this is the answer which came through prayer.

We keep on trusting that God is in control — that's what we do. We remember that this life isn't about winning or losing; it's about trusting the goodness of God's purpose for our life amidst the battles of this world. In Christ's name, we put fact over feeling and forgive those who have used, mistreated, and trod upon us, for forgiveness may not right the wrong, but it does right our hearts, as inner turmoil, sorrow, confusion, frustration, envy, hatred, and anger are replaced with inner peace. Jesus said,

John 16:33 – I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (NIV)

Today, the world may win in regard to our life's circumstances, but who will win in regards to our trust: circumstances or God?

The choice is ours.

Prayer: Father God, thank You that we can trust in the goodness of Your purpose for our life amidst whatever comes our way. Though life is unfair, unjust, and even cruel, You are none of these things. Your justice, mercy, and love are eternal and can be counted on to turn our turmoil into peace and our darkness into light, through Christ Jesus our Lord, in Whose name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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