"It's not fair, Mom!" How many times a day do we hear that?
"It's not fair, Lord!" How many times a day do we feel it?
Life isn't fair. It's not fair my son is being raised in a single parent home. It's not fair that we are struggling when others seem able to skirt around the system, take advantage of others, and lie, cheat, or steal their way to prosperity.
But, we are proudly, defiantly, and obediently different.
Talking with my son about God's judgement is so important. It's an assurance to him and me that God sees and is in everything we experience. He is in control and has final judgment. It's a hard pill to swallow when you see someone getting away with sin, but God has promised..."Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord." Romans 12:17-19
In our Quest for Character this week we're focusing on God's judgement. Swindoll closes this lesson with these words."It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” Deuteronomy 32:35
I'm so thankful for the opportunity to share messages like this with my son, and to grow in them myself. God knows our circumstances and guides our steps. He helps us to guard our heart from injustice. He comforts us with His strength."In a depraved world, it is difficult to find many sources of encouragement and happiness. Look around. The scene is bleak and grim. Corruption, oppression, infidelity, injustice, and rivalry await us around most corners, breeding discouragement and fear. So it is 'around' us.... under the sun... but never 'above' us.May God give us eyes to see through our circumstances and to hear His voice of reassurance through the cracks and crevices along this journey called life. As we seek Him this day, may new insights bring fresh encouragement, new sounds, and long overdue happiness. Don't miss the sights. Listen carefully." excerpt from The Quest for Character page 43
Read and meditate on Hebrews 12 this week.
I know that you can have friends of different religions because I have them.
ReplyDeleteI find it enlightening to learn about how other Christians believe along with those who are not Christians.
I think we should all be respectful of others beliefs. I think that is the key; respectful.
Blessings to you ! Keep enjoying your journey.
A great thought for today. Thank you for teaching your son and sharing with me.
ReplyDeleteThanks also for hosting NOBH. I'm now following you.
I think this also goes hand in hand with letting go and letting God. We so often want to take control of things and deal out what we think is God's punishment to others and we need to sit back and leave well enough alone and focus on our own relationships with God, not what others are doing or aren't doing. This is a hard thing to teach a child too, especially since you as a parent "ARE" focused on what they are and aren't doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up. Great read! :)
Heather From and Mommy Only Has 2 Hands!
You are right - it is a challenge both to teach fairness and to model it. I was getting all worked up yesterday about how long it was taking to get someplace (which I know is about patience and not fairness!) but as a parent the lesson I was sharing was far outweighing any lecture about patience - I know my new-to-driving daughter who was in the driver's seat was taking notes. Pray for me! I'll do the same for you.
ReplyDeleteI have two teen daughters 13 and 15. I often hear comments like 'My friends parents let them date" or My friends get to hang out at the mall on Fridays" or "You NEVER let me do anything!!!" I believe as parents - we need to sometimes just say "No". Life isn't fair - The teenage years are so difficult - I am constantly praying for wisdom - Teaching our girls about God's judgement - His never ending love is an ongoing never ending conversation - I have also learned that my actions and how I respond to things is more of a lesson to my girls than my words.. They both go to church and are very active in their youth groups and even there in a "Christian" environment it still has much of the outside world influences...
ReplyDeleteWe need to know that the when and if our kids do stray - they are armed with God's word and they will come back....
I've Become My Mother
I've Become My Mother facebook
I could have written this....
ReplyDelete"It's not fair that my son is being raised in a single parent home. It's not fair that we are struggling"... except "son" would be plural. I am recently divorced....and it has been hard on both my sons and myself.
And I actually posted about the two kinds of judgment a few months ago..."Final judgment" (the one we are NOT supposed to exercise) and "intermediate judgment", which we are supposed to use. Noone can live this life without making judgments..we do it every day. There were many issues in my marriage, but the eventual reason for the divorce was infidelity. My ex husband says i am "judging" him and his girlfriend because I refuse to allow my children to stay overnight with him if she is there as well (and the divorce decree now supports that). I am judging him...not what will happen to him as a result of his choices, but how those choices affect our children. And I will always do so.
Thank you for this post...it reinforced what I have been trying to convey to my children as well.
Michelle
And this could have been me, many years ago, the single parent left holding the empty bag, with the little son. Much was tough and "unfair," but those were the very things by which God taught me dependence on Him and opened up the way to see His amazing hand, repeatedly, in my little life. Without the "not fair" things, I doubt I would have ever learned the faith lessons that have so expanded and enriched my walk with Christ. God bless you in your faith walk, and thank you for this post.
ReplyDeleteSuch an important lesson to teach your son. Thanks for sharing with us too!
ReplyDelete