Fairness comes naturally to us. We are born with an inherent desire to treat ourselves right. A teacher asked one of the boys in her class, “If your mother gave you a large apple and a small one and told you to divide it with your brother, which would you give him?”

The child thought for a minute and said, “You mean my little brother or my big one?”

It’s only natural for us to pursue what we want, how and when we want it. But the test of fairness comes when someone or something interferes with our ambitions. A teammate explodes at you after you make a mistake on the court. A driver cuts you off on the way to work. A loved one suddenly passes away. Your fiancé calls off the engagement. You’re forced to foreclose on your home. You make an embarrassing error during a presentation at work.

It doesn’t take long to learn that life isn’t fair. People, circumstances, and even you will not always meet your expectations. Does this justify bitterness and resentment? Of course not. Then how should we respond when life takes an unexpected turn?

We need to change our thinking. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true . . . think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) When things go wrong, it’s easy to concentrate upon the circumstances when we should be concentrating on our Savior. That may seem like a trite, Sunday school answer, but it’s true. What is the truth about Jesus when you are experiencing hardships? Has He changed? Has He forsaken you? Is He no longer in control of the situation?

The fact is, Christ wants you to trust Him—even when life isn’t fair. Try it, and He’ll give you His unshakeable joy and peace.

[Christ] is light to enlighten the soul, wisdom to counsel the soul, power to support the soul, goodness to supply the soul, mercy to pardon the soul, beauty to delight the soul, glory to ravish the soul, and fullness to fill the soul. — Thomas Brooks

Devotional by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.

A storm caught a ship near a very rocky area off the coastline. Everyone on board worried because the vessel tossed to and fro in the dangerous waters. As fear gripped the passengers, one individual ran to the pilot house to see the captain. He peered through the glass and saw the captain lashed to his post. The experienced seaman made small steering adjustments through the treacherous water.

When the captain noticed the worried passenger, he turned and flashed a reassuring smile. That was all the passenger needed. He ran back and told the others they had nothing to fear, for the captain had smiled.

Many things in our world threaten to make us fearful. Unrest continues in Thailand, tensions are still high between North and South Korea, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has crippled the fishing industry in the Southern United States. Where is God amidst the unrest?

I would venture to say God is right where He has always been—at the helm of the ship of world affairs. He is directing every event, good or bad, which affects our world. He is also directing every event which affects your life. But as He steers us through the treacherous waters, He smiles and says, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Are you facing some personal trials right now? Is your family in crisis? Take courage, for your Captain is in control.

I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need. — C.H. Spurgeon

Devotional by Pastor Jim Scudder, Jr.

I was having one of those days. My wife and I went through the drive-through at a famous fast food chain when I noticed their mulch was on fire. Believe me—I’m telling the truth.

So I pulled up to the receiving window and told the attendant about the flames. Several workers quickly rushed outside and quenched the fire with fire extinguishers. Hoping to get a free meal for my observance, I waited as the manager came out to speak to me.

“I just want to give you a big thank you. Your bill is $5.16.” So much for the free meal for keeping their store from burning down.

You know, we all have situations that will rub us the wrong way. But listen, friends—God never promised us life would be perfect. Some things aren’t going to be settled until we get to Heaven. But when things don’t turn out the way we’d like them to, it doesn’t mean God’s out to get us. Rest assured, there’s a peace beyond our circumstances and unmet expectations. This is the peace of God.

Has something happened to you which changed your plans for the worst? Maybe you were in the middle of pursuing a college degree, only to have a medical emergency drain most of your college funds. Christian, let me tell you something—you can have peace even in this situation. Don’t go to pieces. God is in charge.

Peace does not mean the end of all our striving,
Joy does not mean the drying of our tears.
Peace is the power that comes to souls arriving
Up to the light where God Himself appears.
—G.A. Studdert Kennedy

Devotional by Dr. James A. Scudder

It was his darkest moment, yet he was comforted with an overwhelming sense of the presence of God. 17th Century German pastor, Paul Gerhart, and his family were caught in the middle of the 30 Years’ War. Their home had been destroyed, and they fled to a small hotel for shelter.

Paul’s wife couldn’t take it anymore. She cried out, “We’re left alone. God has forsaken us. There’s no hope!”

Paul did the best he could to encourage her, and he shared all the Bible verses about the peace of God. Then the pastor took a walk in a small garden outside the hotel. His burden grew heavier with each step he took, until he was swallowed up in despair. He prayed, “God, there’s no hope. We have no home, and we’ve lost everything.”

At that moment, the peace of God came over the discouraged pastor, and he knew he was in God’s presence. He didn’t get an instant answer to his prayer, but he had the presence of God. He had hope.

Have you ever wanted to break down and cry? You’re three months behind on your mortgage payments and the bank threatens to foreclose. Or your spouse wants a divorce. Maybe you just had a painful church split. It’s not wrong to cry – I’ve done it myself. But peace isn’t found in God’s answer. It’s found in His presence. Cast your cares upon Him and let His peace flood your heart.

We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts. — A.W. Tozer

Devotional by Dr. James A. Scudder

Podcast: Play in new window | Download