God Is Just Not Fair

I am so mad at God.
I've said it before. Maybe you have, too.

"I'm mad that I'm still single/sick/unemployed/fat/in a horrible marriage."

Just insert your current problem or need right there.

For a long time, I thought I had every right to be mad at God. We think we're entitled to that anger. Because God is supposed to give me what I want... isn't he?

You feel a lesson coming on? So did I when I approached this chapter in Jennifer Rothschild's new book, God Is Just Not Fair: Finding Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense. 

Jennifer picks apart the common thoughts and questions we often have after life disappoints us and the God that is supposed to be close to our hearts feels so distant.

When things don't go our way, we assert this right to be upset with God, but Jennifer turns to scripture to unmask what the anger really is.

"Sometimes when we indulge what we call our right to be angry at God, what we're really doing is casting a thin veil over envy instead. Deep down, we are jealous that God is seemingly generous to someone else but not us."

That sounds harsh but sometimes, the truth is. 

The thing is, if we believe that our God is supreme, ruling over this universe and everything in it, he has the right to do or allow whatever he pleases. I may not understand the why, but I trust Him and praise Him because…

"We don't base our gratitude or praise exclusively on what we receive or do not receive from God. God  deserves our praise and gratitude because of who God is."

Let that sink in for a second. You may even want to re-read it. This is so contrary to our human and selfish ways but God deserves your thankfulness in all circumstances.

Jennifer's book unpacks these thoughts in a way that will make sense not only to your brain but to your heart. I cannot stress how important this book can be to your personal spiritual journey. It's brought me peace where my heart has been restless and without answers. I hope it can do the same for you.

If you've never heard of Jennifer… 
Jennifer and her family are good friends of mine. Jennifer went blind as a teenager when a disease took her sight. It blows me away that she never let her sight take her life. Jennifer is an accomplished woman! She's a wife, mother, author and talented singer, not to mention, one of the most genuine people you'll ever meet. As you can imagine, Jennifer's faith has been tested by her blindness (she talks about it in her book) which is why I'm so glad she's sharing her own experiences, struggles and revelations. Want to know more about her? Click here.

Disclosure: I received God Is Not Fair for free but the views and opinions I express here are my own.

It's simple: hard work pays off.

Though I'm new to the "real" working world, I've already learned and reaped the rewards of a couple important lessons.
1. Actions speak louder than words.
2. Do the right things the right way and people notice.

Now, I'm sure things don't always work out this way. I'm sure that I will not always get the appreciation deserved for every little thing done. But right now, I'm going to immerse myself in this overly justified feeling!

To the newly employed and those aspiring: You want to move up? You want more responsibility? Show your boss that you can do the little things first. Show them that you believe in teamwork but you're also capable on your own. Be honest but don't complain. And be flexible! Take things as they come. Be a problem solver! Don't just solve your own problems but take a bit of your time to help your co-workers out, too. They'll love you for it.
I'm talking to you, my fellow Generation Y-ers. Put your google skills to the test. We have been bred for finding the answers to questions no one else can find.

Most of all, BE GENUINE. Don't look for a gold sticker. Be humble and just do the work you know you're good at. The commendation (promotion or raise) will come soon enough.

Sideblog: My passion is writing. I could write all the day long. God knows this and eventhough I've been worried that I would not be able to live out this dream in my career, it looks like things may work out after all. This reminds me of what I heard in a recent Matt Chandler sermon: Imagine yourself turning on the television to watch an hour long show. Now, imagine only watching a minute of it and then God watching the rest. Now, imagine arguing with God about what happened in the show.


Yeah. WOMP. WOMP.
We know who's going to win this one. And I just got the reminder I needed.