Fresh Manna 2009© by Pastor Tim Burt
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Something that the Lord taught me a long time ago that has made my life much more functional is to understand this; “life is not fair.” Psalms 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” What does this verse tell us? It tells us that many attacks come against good godly people. Why does that happen? That’s been one of the most asked questions of all times. “Why do good things happen to bad people?” It’s a question I have answered in Fresh Manna many times. In an over simplified and quick answer today, it’s because Satan is the god of this world, and because he hates all of God’s creation – mankind or any other created thing God’s created. Satan has worked to ruin and pervert the good God intends for our lives. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This is part of the very reason that Jesus came into this earth – to teach us how to function as vessels of His love. He came to bring hope and good news to the poor in spirit, healing to the sick – those Satan inflicted, and mercy to the sinner. He came to bring instruction and insight to the true character and love of God. He also came to take upon Himself, our punishment for the sins we’ve committed. He did so at the cross and in the belly of Hell. 1 John 3:8 says, “… For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” Jesus took our punishment and returned love to us for the rejection we showed God. Talk about responding to the unfair with love!
Life is not fair but, one day it will be. Read Rev 21:1-5 and you’ll get a glimpse through the veil of the unseen into our future. ”…now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away…”
This is a day that every Christian looks forward to but in the mean time, in this life, I don’t try to look for fair. What I mean by that is this: I know that not every good thing I do is going to get the response I might hope for. I know that not everything I do for others is going to be noticed or appreciated. It would be easy to get discouraged when you aren’t appreciated or noticed for what you do that is good. Yet I am sure there have been many kind things done for me that I’ve not noticed or appropriately appreciated. I have learned not to depend on man for my validation or rewards. I purpose to do what I do with a rightly motivated heart and unto Him. I know that He notices everything and that He alone is my rewarder in all things. Colossians 3:23-24 puts it like this. “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Tomorrow I will put this thought of not expecting fairness in life in the practical setting of marriage. Don’t look for fairness in every aspect of your marriage! For today, just remember this: life on this earth may not seem fair, but, one day, God will make all things just and fair. Everything you’ve done and sown in life from a godly perspective and right heart, despite how others have responded, will receive its blessing and reward. God is watching and does care! He will respond to your right heart with blessing in this life and it will show up in areas that may be other than the place you are looking for it. Remember today’s Fresh Manna, So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2009 Tim Burt, All rights reserved.
