November 13, 2023
So what are we going to say? Isn’t this unfair on God’s part? Absolutely not! ~ Romans 9:14 CEB
A number of years ago, we received a Christmas letter from Rod’s Uncle Bruce. It began this way: “Life is unfair…We have much more than we deserve.” He was right. It is something that Rod and I repeat often when we think of all that we have, including more money than month, good health, a wonderful if sometimes goofy family, friends near and far, and faith that informs and sustains us.
We’ve sponsored a Compassion International child in the Philippines for the better part of fifteen years and have corresponded regularly throughout that time. The nature of her letters has changed as she has matured. Early on she’d draw a stick-figure picture of her family. As she moved through elementary school, she’d ask simple questions such as, “What is your favorite season?” As she moved through middle school and high school her writing, and questions matured, asking things like, “What was your favorite subject in school?” More recently she’s been sharing challenges and plans for the future. Her most recent note included the question, “Have you ever had a UTI?” She went on to explain the pain and discomfort she was experiencing, and the thing that finally helped her – a tea concoction her mother gave her that brought relief.
I wish I knew nothing about UTI’s having never experienced one. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with them. When one is brewing, I immediately schedule an appointment with the doctor, and within a day have started on a round of antibiotics that take care of the problem. This level of health care is beyond her reach and a privilege I take for granted. Life isn’t fair, I have far more than I deserve, simply because of where I live and health care resources that we can afford. It is not that way for our Compassion child. It is also not that way for many in my community and in our nation.
Paul declares in Romans 9 that God isn’t unfair. I agree. There is more than enough to go around. We lack the individual, corporate and political will to share out of our abundance so that everyone has what they need.
God used the words of a young woman living halfway around the world to prick my conscience. I am grateful, humbled, and determined to not forget my privilege, and the inherent responsibility I have to share and love extravagantly and well.
Thanks, Uncle Bruce. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 