Craig Clouston

 It’s Just Not Fair!

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you.

Isaiah 48:17

“It’s just not fair! It’s not a school night. It’s only eight o’clock; it’s too early for bedtime!” Jeffrey argued.

“I know it doesn’t seem fair, buddy, but it’s your bedtime,” his father said.

“But, Dad!” Jeffrey whined. “I can’t sleep with you guys out there laughing and having fun! Please, Daddy? I am eight, you know,” came his pitiful plea.

“Sorry, buddy. The answer is no. Now, climb in bed, and we’ll say our prayers.”

Three minutes after Dad left the room, Jeffrey had his door cracked just enough to listen. I can’t believe they’re torturing me like this! he thought. The temptation to eavesdrop was more than he could handle. Deciding to risk his father’s wrath, he snuck out the door and down the hallway. As he peeked around the corner, he was spotted by one of his mom’s friends. She smiled at him and winked. Oh no! I’m gonna get it now! he thought, sprinting for his room as quietly as he could. He silently closed the door, jumped into bed, and pulled the covers up over his head, pretending to be asleep. “It’s just not fair!” he muttered, hoping that strange woman wouldn’t tell on him.

†

The prospect of missing something that holds the promise of fun and excitement can be overwhelming. Like Jeffrey’s father, God gave His children sensible instruction. But Israel was stubborn and did not pay attention.

Sometimes God’s instructions make no sense to us. In His infinite wisdom, God knows what’s best for us. He hopes we will listen and obey even though we may not completely understand. As in Isaiah’s forty-eighth chapter, God tries to spare us suffering. But we, like the Israelites, sometimes stomp our feet and complain when things don’t suit us. We pout and rebel, defiantly proclaiming, “It’s just not fair!”

As we mature, we discover that our parents were protecting us from ourselves. God wants to do the same. But here’s the catch: it requires faith, faith that what He told Isaiah is true.

Prayer

“Forgive my petulant attitude, Lord. Help me learn to trust You more. Teach me to lean on You instead of always pulling on Your hand. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”