When Life Isn’t Fair

Have you ever heard a child argue about fairness when their parents say “no” or ask them to wait? The child might exclaim, “But that’s not fair! My brother got to do that!” This cry for fairness is a common reaction, but the reality is that life often isn’t fair. This concept is deeply rooted in the experiences of biblical figures and is reflected throughout Scripture.

Take the story of Joseph, whose life is a powerful testament to the idea that while life may not be fair, perseverance and faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As the favored son of Jacob, Joseph’s special status incited intense jealousy among his brothers. Consumed by envy, they conspired against him, selling him into slavery and leaving him to face an uncertain future in Egypt. To add to the tragedy, they led their father to believe that Joseph was dead.

Despite this cruel betrayal, Joseph didn’t succumb to despair. As a slave in Potiphar’s household, Joseph’s integrity and hard work earned him a position of trust. However, his steadfast character was tested when Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of assault after he resisted her advances. The accusations led to Joseph’s imprisonment, an unjust punishment that could have easily shattered his spirit.

Yet, even in the darkness of a prison cell, Joseph remained faithful and diligent. His unwavering commitment to his values eventually earned him favor with the prison warden, who entrusted him with responsibilities. During this time, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams became his unexpected path to freedom. After accurately interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh’s servants, Joseph was called upon to interpret Pharaoh’s own troubling dreams.

Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine, impressed Pharaoh so much that he appointed Joseph as his second-in-command, responsible for preparing the nation for the coming crisis. Under Joseph’s guidance, Egypt not only survived the famine but also became a refuge for neighboring lands, including Joseph’s own family.

When his brothers came to Egypt seeking food, they unknowingly stood before the brother they had betrayed. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph chose forgiveness. He revealed his identity and reassured them, explaining that their actions, though intended for harm, had been part of a greater plan—one that ultimately saved many lives. Joseph said to them, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph’s journey from betrayal to triumph illustrates that while life may seem unjust, faith, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is right can lead to outcomes far greater than we can imagine.

Like Joseph, Moses faced immense challenges and resistance, even from his own people. When the Israelites’ suffering increased after he spoke to Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the Lord, “Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me?” (Exodus 5:22). David was hunted by King Saul despite his anointing as the future king, narrowly escaping death multiple times: “Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence” (1 Samuel 19:10). The Apostle Paul endured beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks for the sake of the gospel, as he recounted, “I have been in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. Five times I received from the Jews forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from robbers, in danger from my countrymen” (2 Corinthians 11:23-26). Their stories illustrate a profound truth: life isn’t fair, and the spiritual battle isn’t fair either.

In spiritual warfare, we must recognize that the fight is rarely fair. Our adversary, the devil, is relentless in exploiting our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. He seizes every opportunity to cause harm, disregarding any sense of fairness or justice. Yet, even as we face these attacks, we are not without hope. The power of God is infinitely greater than any challenge the enemy can throw our way.

I’ve faced moments in my life where I wanted to cry out to God, overwhelmed by the sheer unfairness of my circumstances. I vividly remember a time when I was falsely accused of a list of things I supposedly said or did. Despite my attempts to defend myself and tell the truth, the accusations persisted. I kept telling the person accusing me, “If you have a problem with me, talk to my father.” Eventually, they did. My dad arranged a meeting with the couple, Fred, me, and my mom. The night before, I barely slept, and I cried on Fred’s shoulder, feeling the weight of the injustice. The situation seemed so unfair, so undeserved.

The next day, when we all gathered, the couple presented their list of grievances. Their first complaint against me was something my dad acknowledged he had done. The second, my mom calmly stated, “No, Debby didn’t say that—I did.” Then Fred admitted to doing what they accused me of next. One by one, their complaints were addressed, revealing that I had done nothing on their list. In the end, despite the unfairness I felt, God vindicated me. He turned what seemed like an unjust situation into a testimony of His justice and truth.

Scripture reassures us of this very truth. In 1 John 4:4, we are reminded, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” Despite the unfairness of life and the intensity of spiritual battles, our faith in God equips us to stand firm. Paul encourages us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces: “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Therefore, our preparation is crucial. Ephesians 6:13-17 details the armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—which are our spiritual defenses. This armor enables us to stand firm, even when life feels overwhelmingly unfair.

When facing unfair trials, it is essential to remember that faith provides us the courage to confront and overcome them. As Paul writes, “We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; persecuted, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed”

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9). By equipping ourselves with faith and the armor of God, we are prepared to stand against the unfairness of life and the devil’s schemes. Our faith in God is our strength, enabling us to rise above the injustices and challenges we face, knowing that in Christ, we are victorious.

When life isn’t fair, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. But what should we do when we face these injustices? First, remember that the battle isn’t really ours—it’s the Lord’s. God is fully aware of every trick the devil tries to use against us. Even when the enemy strikes us where it hurts the most or comes at us with relentless attacks, we can trust that God will repay. He will justify, and He will set things right.

Throughout Scripture, God assures us that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame. As it is written in Romans 10:11, “For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.'” When the devil attempts to dredge up your past to fill you with guilt and shame, remind yourself of the truth of God’s forgiveness. The blood of Jesus covers all our sins, and in Him, we are made new. As 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Finally, understand that when the devil fights hard, it’s because he fears the power of your perseverance. He knows that if he can make you stop praying, stop believing, and stop trusting in God’s promises, he can weaken your resolve. But this is precisely why you must stand firm. James 4:7 exhorts us, “Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Don’t let the devil’s attacks cause you to waver. Instead, let them strengthen your determination to fight back with even greater faith. Remember, the fiercer the battle, the greater the victory that lies ahead. Hold fast to the truth that God is with you, and He has already won the war. As Psalm 34:19 declares, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all.”

So when life isn’t fair, lift your eyes to the One who is just, faithful, and true. Trust that He will vindicate you in His perfect time, and continue to fight the good fight of faith. The battle belongs to the Lord, and in Him, we are more than conquerors. Stand firm, keep praying, keep believing, and watch how God turns your trials into triumphs, for His glory and your ultimate good.