Sometimes life throws us curve-balls, and the things that we least expect to happen end up happening. Some of the most difficult times that I can think of are probably when a close relative passes on or when a marriage ends up in divorce. It is always a tragedy when a young person dies a seemingly untimely death or when a new marriage falls apart and people go their separate ways. In these kinds of cases one is wise to rely on God, and remember that all things occur for a reason and eventually work themselves out for our greater good. (See V*1). We should never question God's plan. It is vital that while we rely on God we remain faithful, determined, positive, and hopefully supported by the family and friends God has blessed us with. We need to rest assured that God is in control no matter how chaotic things may appear.
With that said it is vitally important for us to keep our heads up and continue to press onward despite the dire circumstances. We need to always expect that brighter days will come to pass, and try to forget the tragic or unjust circumstances that have happened in the past. (See V*2). This is especially hard to accomplish when we observe the seeming injustice that happen around us. The mysteries of these injustices and deaths are described in Ecclesiastes. (See V*3). I think what this set of verses lead me to believe is it all boils down to faith. We are to maintain a faithful attitude that all the things that happen, happen for a reason. Many of these things that occur are beyond our comprehension as to why an omnipotent, omniscient God would allow such things to happen. The truth is many times we won't have a clear answer for this, but if we remain faithful God will surely see us through every obstacle and difficulty. In the future, He also tends to clarify in due time why certain things happened the way they did, especially if we prayerfully ask Him to reveal His plans to us. (See V*4).
In V*4 we are told by Jesus Himself that He will reveal Himself to us when we keep His commands. I believe this is one of the major benefits of obeying God's word. We are also told further down in the same chapter of John, by Jesus again, that the Holy Spirit is the Counselor and that He will teach us all things and remind us of everything He has told us. (See V*5).
Aside from the curve-balls of life I have also noticed that life is not at all fair. The world does not operate in a manner that ensures that we always get equal treatment or consideration from others. I can guarantee however that God is taking note of all those times where you are treated unfairly or wronged. He knows when a police officer gives you an unfair ticket, when a boss at your job gives someone else the promotion that you deserved, or even when someone cuts your vehicle off in traffic. I am sure that God makes it up to us when we least expect it. Whether it is in this life or in heaven, God will remember to consider what has happened to us and compensate us accordingly. (See V*6).
V*6 clearly indicates that God is omniscient (all-knowing and understanding). It also ensures us that those that are afflicted are given justice. He is always looking out for our well-being, especially when we live a righteous lifestyle that honors and glorifies Him. Beyond that I truly believe that worrying about or holding grudges over the times that we have been wronged is foolish, and should certainly not be made a habit of by any means. This also leads us to plot revenge in our hearts, which is clearly contrary to what God's word says to us in Matthew. (See V*7). This particular set of verses is certainly challenging for us to abide by in today's world, but I am positive that God will bring us the justice we seek if we obey His advice in this area.
I would like to leave you with the following closing thoughts: If we are to live a Christ-like lifestyle and He expects us to pursue spiritual maturity and obedience, wouldn't it make absolute sense for us to delight in justice? Particularly in the justice that God brings us, which is beyond anything that revenge or any other sort of worldly "justice" can bring as far as I know. Furthermore, why bother holding grudges with people or harboring bitterness in our hearts? We only harm ourselves by doing so and in the process ultimately disobey God's word when we do this. Do yourselves a favor and allow the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead you to release such harmful attitudes and practices.
May God bless you all with His supernatural peace and justice!
- Victor Nunez
V*1- "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (HCSB)
V*2- "Not that I have already reached [the goal] or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also. Philippians 3:12-15 (HCSB)
V*3- "I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness. 17 I said to myself, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every work." 18 I said to myself, "This happens concerning people, so that God may test them and they may see for themselves that they are like animals." Ecclesiastes 2:16-18 (HCSB)
V*4- "The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him." John 14:21 (HCSB)
V*5- "I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit – the Father will send Him in My name – will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:25-26 (HCSB)
V*6- "Yes, God is mighty, but He despises [no one]; He understands all things. 6 He does not keep the wicked alive, but He gives justice to the afflicted. 7 He does not remove His gaze from the righteous, but He seats them forever with enthroned kings, and they are exalted. Job 36:5-7 (HCSB)
V*7- "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you don't resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you and don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." Matthew 5:38-42 (HCSB)