Trusting God Beyond Fairness

Ever wondered how you’d react if God dropped a bombshell on your life plans? Ezekiel had a front-row seat to that cosmic surprise in chapter 24, verse 16, where God casually informed him, “Hey, buddy, brace yourself. I’m snatching away the apple of your eye with a single punch.” Not the divine tête-à-tête Ezekiel was probably expecting.

Divine Surprises and Life’s Unpredictability

“Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come.” Ezekiel 24:16 NASB1995

Picture this: Ezekiel’s been the divine messenger, FedExing God’s messages to the people for a good while. But it’s like they’re wearing earplugs – nothing’s sinking in. Or maybe they’ve perfected the art of selective hearing. So, God decides to hit Ezekiel with a curveball – his wife is going to clock out, and it won’t be a drawn-out affair. A quick and decisive move. The next day, Ezekiel rings up the hometown hotline, only to find out that God wasn’t kidding.

Now, if God dropped the bomb on my life like that, I’d be asking, “Why, oh why?” Why does God have to play tough love to make a point that seems lost on folks who aren’t even paying attention? It doesn’t exactly scream fairness, does it?

Trusting the Unshakeable Character of God Amid Challenges

Ezekiel, though, takes it in stride. Why? Because God had already given him the lowdown on his reaction: “No mourning, no weeping, and no tears.” Ezekiel’s life is like a script he didn’t write – he’s been living according to God’s plotline. This wasn’t his first rodeo with the Almighty; he’d been listening, speaking, and trusting the divine GPS for a while.

Back in the day, I’d have started the protest march with my ‘whys’ and ‘that’s not fair.’ But the closer I’ve walked with God, the more I’ve learned to trust that He knows His gig. He doesn’t demand blind trust; after all, He’s been our behind-the-scenes director all along. Ezekiel’s ‘Why’ was already answered by the character of God he trusted in.

Managing Life’s Challenges

So, where do we stand when life throws us a curveball? Have we clocked enough divine miles to trust that God’s character is unshakeable? It’s not about fairness; it’s about knowing the kind of person He is.

People love to toss around the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” True, but there’s a second act to that line. Let me pull out the Bible receipt from 1 Corinthians 10:11-13:

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us… So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 NIV

God’s Got You

In this context, temptation represents the trials that God sends us. They are like life’s pop quizzes. God won’t throw you a cosmic challenge you can’t handle, or He’ll toss in an emergency exit for you.

Ezekiel got that God’s main concern for him was to follow orders. He did just that, following God’s GPS with unwavering loyalty. Now, God hits him with the ultimate trial – taking away the one thing he treasures the most. Yet, Ezekiel’s got this unshakeable trust that God’s got his back, even in the midst of tragedy.

Embracing God’s Script

Here are 5 ways that you can endure God’s trials.

1. Expect Divine Curveballs: Life’s unpredictable, and sometimes God throws us curveballs that seem downright unfair. Take a cue from Ezekiel; he got a surprise package from the heavens, and it wasn’t a pleasant one.
   

   Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB1995

2. Questioning vs. Trust: When life hits us with the ‘whys’ and the ‘it’s not fair,’ it’s easy to kick up a storm. But as you walk closer with the Almighty, the key is learning to trust even when the path seems murky. Ezekiel had it down – he knew God’s character was a solid foundation.
   

   “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NASB1995

3. The ‘Handle-able’ Load: You’ve probably heard the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” It’s like divine wisdom, but there’s a twist. Life’s challenges are like pop quizzes – God won’t overload you, and if it gets too much, there’s always a way out.
   

   No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB1995

4. Life’s Script, God’s Direction: Ezekiel lived a script he didn’t write. He followed God’s plotline, and when the climax hit with the loss of his beloved wife, he didn’t break character. It’s a lesson in following the divine GPS, even when the road takes unexpected turns. We might have our plans, but ultimately, God directs our steps.
   

   The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NASB1995

5. Peace Amidst Pain: The closing verses of Ezekiel’s story teach us that even in the heartache, God provides a peace that surpasses understanding. It’s not about avoiding tears but about trusting that, in both this world and the next, we’re in good hands.
   

   Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NASB1995

Serenity Amidst Suffering

The chapter’s closing verses? They’re Ezekiel sticking to the script, proclaiming God’s message and showing that even in heartache, God’s got the director’s chair. Whatever pain he’s feeling, God gave him the peace to soldier on. His wife may be gone, but he knows she’s in good hands, in this world and the next.