Life Isn't Fair - But God Is!: Down to Earth Words to Live By

By Rev. Dr. Wilbert Donald Gough

Each day brings pleasures, possibilities, and problems. That is just a simple fact of life, and most people realize that. What many fail to realize, however, is that others have faced what they have ― and these veterans of triumphs, trials, and tribulations have much wisdom to share.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890912749

Rev. Dr. Wilbert Donald Gough

Wilbert Donald Gough lived from 6/13/1918 until his passing on 8/13/2022. The first of five children and surviving diphtheria at age 6, he grew up in Graham, Texas, and was baptized by Edwin B Stafford, his grandfather. Dedicated to serving God, he lead a life of listening and learning with doctorates from Eastern University and Burton Theological Seminary, plus degrees from Cairn and Temple University and Draughon's Business College. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WW II and churches in PA, MI, IA, WV, NH and ME thereafter, writing extensively.

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Life Isn’t Fair– But God Is!: Down To Earth Words to Live By

Copyright © 2023 by Rev Dr Wilbert Donald Gough, MDiv, ThD, DD

Published in the United States of America

ISBN Paperback: 979-8-89091-273-2

ISBN eBook: 979-8-89091-274-9

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Dedicated to ...

The greater glory of God,

And my beloved wife

Florence Arthur Gough

And passed on to others by

Wilbert Donald Gough, Jr

In Memory and Honor of his Parents

Table of Contents

FORWARD

LIFE ISN’T FAIR - BUT GOD IS Matthew 25:14-30

GIVE GOD YOUR TROUBLE Psalm 46

OUR KIND OF GOD John 1:1-5, 11-14

IS GOD TO BLAME? Philippians 2:12-18

GOD WORKS FOR GOOD Romans 8:28-32

THE HEARTACHE HEALER I Peter 1:3-9

THIRSTY FOR GOD Psalm 42:1-6

WHAT GOD IS DOING Psalm 118:14-24

FINDING GOD IN TROUBLE Job 1:14-22

TREASURES GOD GIVES Psalm 19:7-16

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN I Samuel 1:8-11, 27-28

GOD IS ABLE Ephesians 3:14-21

GOD’S CALL TO PRAYER Jeremiah 33:1-3

CARED FOR BY A KING II Samuel 9:1-13

GOD’S WORD OF LIFE II Timothy 3:14-17

SOMEBODY LOVES YOU I John 4:7-11

MORE OF GOD’S SPIRIT II Kings 2:8-13

FATHERS GOD FAVORS Luke 15:18-24

LORD TEACH US TO PRAY Luke 11:1-13

WISE MEN SEEK HIM Matthew 2:1-12

GOD’S SPECIAL PEOPLE Titus 2:11-15

GIVE GOD THANKS Psalm 100

FINDING GOD’S WILL Romans 12:1-3

LET GOD USE YOU Exodus 4:1-12

GOD SAYS, ASK ME I Kings 3:3-14

LET GOD BLESS YOU Genesis 32:24-30

FRIENDS WITH GOD Luke 11:5-13

WALK WITH GOD Micah 6:6-8

GOD’S POSSIBILITIES Mark 9:17-29

GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE Acts 10:21-33

GOD KEEPS PROMISES I KINGS 8:54-61

GOD MAKES IT POSSIBLE Matthew 19:16-26

LET GOD PROSPER YOU III John 1-8

GIVE GOD GLORY Luke 2:8-20

GOD’S LOVE IN US John 15:7-13

GOD’S ENCOURAGERS Deuteronomy 3:23-28

GOD - GIVEN GOALS Philippians 4:4-9

HOW TO SEE GOD Matthew 5:1-12

LET GOD USE YOU I Corinthians 1:26-31

BEING HONEST TO GOD Luke 9:18-26

GOD’S REWARDS Matthew 19:27-30

ON GOD’S SIDE Matthew 12:22-32

THANKS BE TO GOD II Corinthians 9:8-15

GOD’S GREAT DIVIDE John 7:37-43

GOD BLESS AMERICA Psalm 33:4-12, 20-22

LIVE WORLD FOR A LIVING GOD I Corinthians 15:1-8, 20

GOD’S LAST WORD Hebrews 1:1-8

OUR GREATEST DECISION Acts 22:6-16

GOD’S PERFECT GIFT Matthew 1:18-25

WHAT HEAVEN IS LIKE Revelation 21:1-8

DO WE KNOW EACH OTHER

IN HEAVEN? John 14:1-6

FAMILIES OF GOD Ephesians 3:14-21

THE GREATEST LOVE John 3:16-19

FAMILIES FOR GOD Mark 6:1-5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FORWARD

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT LIFE. Everyday life of everyday people. The pleasures, problems, and possibilities we face. That others have faced and found guidance.

IT IS ABOUT GOD. The Eternal, Creator, and Almighty. God revealed to us in the Bible - His Holy Word. And God’s dealing with His followers through all ages.

IT IS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST. Who Jesus is, as God with skin on, both divine and human. Come to show people what God is like, "and seek and save the lost." How He is able, by His Holy Spirit, to indwell and infill His followers with Himself, in everlasting blessings.

IT IS A BOOK ABOUT PEOPLE. About those I have known, of loved ones and dear friends. Or ones I read about in many books. And about myself. Of what all of these, and so many other experiences of following my Savior, have meant in my ministry for many decades. An experience that has blessed and benefited my life and family. A testimony, in a humble way, that may help you. That is my prayer. To share these blessings far more broadly than from a church pulpit. It is for your thoughts.

IT IS WRITTEN BECAUSE OF THOSE WHOSE INSTRUCTIONS, INSPIRATION AND INFLUENCE HAVE BLESSED ME ABUNDANTLY. From grandparents, parents, teachers, pastors, parishioners, neighbors, friends - I am debtor to a multitude. Whom I can never thank adequately, personally.

THIS BOOK SEEKS TO PAY THIS GREAT DEBT. To my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. And all those, who by winsome example and witness helped me along life’s rough road.

IT IS AMAZING WHAT THE LORD, HIS PEOPLE, OR A BOOK CAN DO. A God, like Jesus, by His Holy Word, crucifixion and resurrection, can take anybody - even a nobody as I - and make of them somebody! He can for everybody! He did it for me. For many. I know God can for you.

WHY DO I TELL YOU ALL THIS? IT MIGHT TURN SOME AWAY! So, stick with me. Because I want you to know what to expect from a man who has gone through all manner of trials, but blessed above all measure, in the love of my Lord.

IT IS A BOOK ABOUT WHAT GOD IS DOING FOR PEOPLE TODAY. Amazing things!

In our busy, complex, competitive world. At times He is still working miracles of His grace. Saving us, but also showing Himself mighty in many marvelous ways of love to bless.

IT IS ABOUT THE BEST AND HAPPIEST LIFE THERE IS. For victory in Jesus, over the world. Power for blessing.

THERE ARE MANY GREAT BOOKS, WISE TO READ, BUT BY FAR, THE BEST IS THE BIBLE. Let it have priority. But it helps us better understand the Bible, to have others, like this book, that seeks to explain the Bible in an easy-to-understand manner to fortify our faith. They are some of my messages, gleaned from years of study and prayer, for average people. Presented in an everyday language, and common-sense illustrations we learned over the years.

WHAT BIBLE SHOULD WE USE? I am often asked this. Use the version or translation that you like best. We have all kinds. I have a number of versions and translations, to help enlighten a text. As well as the Greek and Hebrew. But my favorite is the New King James version.

THE TRANSLATION USED IN THIS BOOK IS THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. It is used with copyright permission.

THOUGH YEARS IN PREPARATION, THIS BOOK CAN BE READ IN A SHORT TIME, OR STUDIED FOR DAYS. Use it as an adjunct to your Bible reading to enlighten Scriptures. We profit most if preceded by prayer and read with care.

IT IS SUGGESTED, FOR BETTER RESULTS, THE SCRIPTURE REFERENCES BE READ PRIOR TO THE CHAPTER. And meditate, and reflect upon them, and the context, and theme.

FINALLY, MY SPECIAL GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION TO ONE OF THE FINEST SECRETARIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS, MRS. NORMAN (SANDY) BROWN. She retyped these from my typewritten notes prepared for publishing. And to Trinity United Church, Seabrook, NH, where it was my joy to serve my Lord with her for a number of memorable years.

TO THOSE READERS, AND FOR THOSE BELOVED FRIENDS IN ALL THE CHURCHES WE SERVED, IN SEVEN OF THE UNITED STATES, OUR PRAYERS AND LOVE WILL EVER CONTINUE FOR EACH OF YOU. God Bless you, in His love. Keep growing in His Grace! May each message enlarge your scriptural knowledge and spiritual enrichment and enjoyment!

LIFE ISN’T FAIR - BUT GOD IS

Matthew 25:14-30

People need help! We are born into a world - and face a life - that is frightening and unfair. Every day’s news headlines tell of fighting, fears and threats of more wars, violence, and hardships - in many places and people. We do not always live in peace, as we should. Peace commences with God in our hearts, then in our homes, then goes out to neighborhoods and nations. Without it, we add to the woes of the world. Competition, sometimes, goes too far - and selfishness, ungodliness, and greed can overwhelm with pride and uncaring. From history, it is evident life is a struggle. It is unfair. There are foes we face. The greatest foe is the devil. Satan is our arch-enemy - a deceiver, liar, eager to harm and hurt and destroy us. The devil is the most unfair of all. To make us more than conquerors, we have a God who is more than fair. He is our dearest Friend, who made, and aids us in His love; forgives and saves us. God gives us life - not takes it. Jesus Christ reveals this God, and from His cross and resurrection, He gives life, abundantly, joyfully, and eternally. Indeed, life isn’t fair, but God is!

Let’s tell the world about this God who is most wonderfully fair, for an unfair world.

You, as we, have known little children - so loving and innocent - stricken with dread, often terminal ills and diseases, and suffer or die so young. When we know where they go, what a comfort of God we have! We have all known of accidents, which can injure, and destroy precious lives so quickly. Maybe you went off to war or have seen our finest youth march off - some never to return home alive again. Others may be impaired in some way; but all bring back some scars. Since Genesis chapter 3, our world has been unfair - that makes life unfair. Many over the world will never forget what happened on 9/11/01 when there came to our beloved America groups of terrorists, hijacking and commandeering planes, they flew into our buildings. To destroy thousands of innocent lives. On the planes, and in two tall towers of the New York World Trade Center, the Pentagon, in Washington, and in the Pennsylvania plane. America has aided so many nations - often not so friendly nations - with billions in help over the years, seeking to make friends. May God give us wisdom and grace, as Jesus said, To love God, our neighbor, and even our enemies so they become our friends - of America, and of our Lord and loving God. We say on our dollar bills In God We Trust. As people, we earn the trust and friendship of others by showing we care about them.

To me, the nailing of the sinless Son of God, Jesus, to a cross, was most unfair - for He was sinless. He went about doing only good, to all Jesus could. Jesus did it in love, to forgive and give us everlasting life. To show how fair God is to man, in an unfair world. In Christ, we can defeat the devil, defeat difficulties, discouragements, and doubts of all kinds. Best of all, in Jesus we can defeat even death - to have life in heaven ever after. Let’s get to know this Wonderful, Living God, and show what He can do for our world.

A man said to me, God is unfair. Blaming God. That’s easy to do, and God understands. I replied, It is life, not God, that is unfair. Many circumstances come into play for us to consider. Look at Hebrews 6:10, Living Bible, God is not unfair. How can He forget your hard work for Him or forget the way you show your love for Him... God made us, loves and works in us. To be forgiven, cleansed, proves God’s great love, and gracious compassion. If we will let Him. Yes, God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31).

David McCasland tells of Armando Galarraga, a pitcher, for the Detroit Tigers, who pitched a perfect game but by an umpire’s mistake, was denied it. It seemed unfair. The umpire later agreed, as unfair. The umpire acknowledged his error and apologized, but the call could not be changed. It stood. Now let’s take note of how this major league pitcher handled it all. Galarraga kept calm, expressed sympathy for the umpire, never criticized him. He accepted the call. He was doing right, when done wrong. Commendable. Exemplary sportsmanship.

I used to think Matthew 25:14-30 was rather unfair. Let’s look at it, for it can appear to be. In Jesus’ parable a farmer or landlord gave talents or gifts, to employees - To one five another two, to one, one. Why not give them all the same? Five or whatever? Because we have different abilities and duties. For it is the farmer’s (or Lord’s) to give, remember? We are only stewards, to wisely use what He gives. Our time. Talents. Labors. Treasures.

Growing up, a church family was often at our home, and mother’s dear friend - with three lovely small girls. We early got to know this family, and their faith, their pain and grief. One daughter developed leukemia, was treated, and prayed for very much; yet she died at six years old - so very young. As a kid, I joined in prayers. Felt their hurts, loss and heartaches. To some, it seemed so unfair - but she’s in heaven! No more pain. Suffering. With her Savior. Parents knew, she was with Jesus; accepted His will. They, as others, taught us about life, and death. They knew, life isn’t fair; but God’s love surely is! Most of us have known similar teaching situations.

The Old Testament Book of Job can be a great help to all who suffer, as well as Psalms. But the ultimate wisdom comes from the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - giving the life of Jesus - our God with skin on. He is the best answer to all our questions.

Jesus taught The kingdom of heaven is like a landlord (as Jesus), who went away awhile (as Jesus has). He gave goods … talents … ability, and instructions on how to use the gifts very wisely while he’s away. These talents, are different - just as we are. We are God’s workers, for His will. He created us. To know Him, in Jesus, and to be like Him. Adding to Matthew, Luke 19:13 reads, "put this money (or life) to work until I come back." Use it. Don’t waste our life, our time, and our talents. Use them to be a blessing to people! Do something worthwhile. We too are to so live for we too must give an account when Jesus returns. Like these servants in this parable of our Lord, of Matthew 25.

This landlord (or Lord) knew what each servant can do. As our boss, or our parents. Nowhere do we read they grumbled, complained, envy. They were to use what each was given wisely. They accepted, without criticism, what was given them. So should we! But try to improve upon it!

When the master returned, how did they all do? Look at the Good Book and consider our own life. The Five talents man gains five! Talnets. Two talent man gains two. These two did all right - they used well their gift! Each of these doubled in their original gift given. They did well what they were told to do. The One talent man dug in the ground and hid his lord’s money (Mt. 25:18). Hid it and never used it! He was supposed to let his light shine, but he didn’t. He buried it from sight! It was buried! An unprofitable servant. Are we? Have we done our best for the Lord?

That which he had, was taken from him; he was cast into outer darkness ... weeping (v 30). No reward. You see, what he sowed, he reaped. He sowed nothing; and lost what he was given. Friend, he was the one unfair - not his master! When we ponder it, not God, but we, are unfair. We fail God. All who obeyed the master did well, even doubled. And they were commended - but more than that! Were rewarded, and told, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord (21). The joy of the Lord, is itself quite a wonderful reward, to strive for! So, see how faithful and fair, Jesus said, God is! God is, and will be, fair to you. And to us all.

We’ve all read the story of Job, blameless, upright, who feared God and shunned evil (v 1). A good man. Buffeted by the devil unmercifully – and yet, Job was doubly blessed in victory. Job was one who suffers, as few since ... except Jesus. In the end Job was doubly blessed (42:12-13).

If anyone had reason to feel God unfair, Job did! But he didn’t ever feel God was unfair. And in all his suffering, loss, and pain, Job never blamed God. Rather, Job honored the Lord so well! What a model for me ... you ... all who suffer. Let’s remember, when our trials come let them be a blessing from God -- for I’ve never had any trial or testing but what God used it to become a blessing for me - as He did for Job! In the end, I was a better man, for it. A broken bone healed is stronger at the break than the original bone was.

Joseph in Genesis was mistreated, despised by jealous brothers, who tried to kill him and sold him to slave traders going to Egypt. There was one test after another, for Joseph. They meant it for evil ... God meant it for good. The story is in Genesis Chapters 39-50. Great. What a model is Joseph, especially for all youth - as he forgives his brothers. Now he’s next to Pharaoh! He forgave his brothers! Which is not easy to do - but is the best thing to do, for the good of all. The story in Genesis 50, especially verse 20, You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. Don’t ignore the best part, … God meant it for good. Not just for Joseph, or his brothers! For the rest of that verse reads, in order to bring it about, as it is this day, to save many people alive! (Gen. 50:20). God was sparing many Jews, and Gentiles in the nation of Egypt, from a prolonged, dreadful famine! Our God is so much more than fair - He is gracious!

Who of us knows fully what God has in mind, for us and others, in our trials? Life may sometimes be unfair, yet God works for good. It may be hard to believe but believe it! Even when done wrong, Joseph kept doing right! Our part is to obey the Lord; He’ll do the rest.

Some may question God’s fairness in Acts 12:2, where wicked King Herod Killed James. But John is spared! These were sons of Zebedee, fishermen, who Jesus had called to follow Him. Both were Apostles. Brothers. Chosen by Jesus. Had been with Jesus those years. Both were saved, and servants of the Savior. Both were loved alike - equally- by our Lord. Yet, "James ... was ... killed" unfairly and unjustly, but John was spared. Does that show that God is unfair? No. Only that life is unfair. James is in heaven! To me, you can’t do better than heaven. Likely, James’ work on earth was finished, so he was called home. But we are not to rush going up there to glory! History shows John had lots more work to do for God. He wrote five Bible books! Was a pastor in Ephesus (the old city in Turkey).

Friend, when we are followers of Jesus as our Lord, I assure you, We know that all things work together ... for good ... to those who love God (Romans 8:28). It may not feel good but is for our good. Believers know it is so, if not seem so, at first. Be patient. Give God time to work for our good.

I love to sing, or read, Isaac Watts’ great hymns. A fine English preacher and poet, loving pastor.

But his looks were unattractive to some - so much so that he never married. But what a saintly soul! Isaac Watts accepted it. Some people seem to be an unclaimed blessing. Let God lead. Could he preach! Win souls. Write hymns. Godly. His life story is interesting and profitable. Cared for his congregation. Dearly loved by them. They didn’t want him to leave! He never felt God was unfair! He glorified God! Let’s all glorify God, always, and all ways.

We visited Polycarp’s hometown, Izmir, Turkey. The biblical Smyrna. Polycarp (69-155 A.D.) was a great pastor. In one of our tours of the holy lands, I learned a lot and studied his life. He is one of the Apostolic Fathers - taught by John the beloved Apostle, who was taught by Jesus. In other words, very close to the original holy leaders, and holy lands. As Bishop of Smyrna, he won multitudes to Jesus. When Roman Emperors, and idols, were worshiped, Polycarp was doomed to die, unless he denied Jesus, but what a testimony he gave, Christ has done me no wrong. I cannot blaspheme my King who saved me. He became a Christian martyr. The Roman authorities burned him at the stake. Amid flames, Polycarp knew life is unfair, not God.

I’ve spent time at Billy Graham’s Crusades and Minneapolis office, and conferences. Billy grew up on a farm - suppose he had stayed there as his dad desired. What loss would be to many souls! Now there’s nothing wrong with farming! My ancestors were. We need them. History reveals Billy Graham used well his talents to bless millions, all over the world. Use the gifts, talents, God gave, for His glory, to witness and win others to winsomely find Jesus.

So, what is Jesus, in Matthew 25, seeking to teach us? To me, he is teaching that God is most gracious and fair. That we are to bloom - however and wherever - we are planted as best we can, with the help of the Lord and His Word. To have patience, to wait on the Lord. To seek and follow His will. By His Holy Spirit, God wants to do that for us all. Salvation is by God’s grace, and our faith, not our good works. We do works because we’ve been saved. Not to be saved. Don’t be an unprofitable servant or wicked, and lazy, servant as one of these was (Mt. 25:26).

Any who still question God’s fairness read Luke 15 about a Prodigal Son. You know the story, the son said Give me ... now. Jesus tells us all about it. See the younger son in your mind. In his father’s house. He was blessed. He had it so good and didn’t realize it. But he wanted the world. His fun, fling, and freedom. His own way, like some youths (and even adults) do today. Give me my possessions, now. So, his father did. Like God (the Father) gives us all our free-will. Maybe to keep peace, his father gave him his inheritance before it was due, which is more than fair. What did he do? Wasted it in riotous living. That means sin. Got so low, he fed and ate with pigs! To the people of those times, he couldn’t go any lower! It was his life. But with pigs, it was not so much fun. His friends then soon forsook him. His freedom and fun proved unfair. But God is fair. How do we know? Let’s find out in Luke 15:20 and thereafter.

Like God, the son’s father had been watching for his return some day. The return of his beloved younger son. One day he came, walking down the road, toward home. He had tried the world - it was unfair. The father saw him, had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him (Luke 15:20). Wow! That far surpasses fair! That’s superfluous love at its finest! Dad welcomed back a son, so dirty, shabby, and so smelly. A loving father doesn’t mind! I wouldn’t. No matter to dad! No scolding. No, I told you so. Not one word of that can be found! Or heard. Rather, "This my son was dead (in trespass and sin), but alive again (resurrected as Jesus)." He Was lost, and is found, … to father, family, to God. And even to himself, for this son who went astray from the will of God. The son, humbled and saved, came back to be a son! A changed, new man, like born again, to be a blessing. Not only a son, but a servant. To serve the Lord. To honor his father. Like all of us should. Forgiven, by love ... and grace. Those who’ve been there know what I mean.

I ask you, if a human father can be fair - when we’ve been unfair - don’t you think a Heavenly Father can?

We all make mistakes. We could use a new start in our life. God wants to give it to us. Jesus didn’t die for any sins of His! But for ours! For all who have been unfair, with God. He took the blame (based on the judgment of a mob that didn’t believe in sharing love with one another!) and most severe punishment of the time (agonizing death on a cross) for what was deemed by the authorities (or judges in that time) as appropriate for a troublemaker. But the good news is that He arose from the dead, as no other, so we may live! Not just live, but abundantly and eternally. In all the unfairness, evil, suffering, heartaches of life. My friend, let the Lord show His fairness. Do you know Jesus? As your Savior? If so, then accept God’s spirit – called the Holy Spirit or Great spirit, into your life. In love, God is Not willing any should perish (II Peter 2:9). God says, not any, that is anyone. But we must trust Him. Everyone. Everywhere. Live the life God wants to give! As we do, we will demonstrate how fair and wonderful God is! Just follow Jesus! Show his love to others. Talk with others to learn how God’s spirit in you can make ALL the difference about the unfairness of life.

GIVE GOD YOUR TROUBLE

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (v 1). That is good to know!

Do you ever have any trouble? One man said, Trouble seems mostly what I have. Let’s give them to God! Jesus said, we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer (John 16:33). How? In Me, you may have peace. In Him, by faith, let’s triumph over our troubles.

All through the ages, there has been trouble, and over the world today, there is still plenty of it to many. Let’s face it in faith, and Psalm 46 can help us."God is our refuge (hiding place), and strength (in weakness or pain), a very present (right here, now), help (the finest to our souls) in trouble." In Him. We will not fear, no matter what it is. Why fear? Look, God is in the midst (v 5). He is with us! Who? The Lord of hosts is with us .. our refuge. What do we need to do? Be still, know … His will.

It is helpful to me to have Bible verses to comfort. Like the Psalms, the Gospels, Epistles, for the God of comfort comforts us all in our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those ... who are in any trouble (II Cor. 1:4). Consider His promise!

So, each day, let’s go to God. In prayer, to His Word. Anyone can do this, with faith in the Lord Jesus. Carolina Berg of Sweden had health problems growing up, so spent much time reading at her dad’s office. Her father was Pastor in Froderyd, Sweden, ministering to those in need. She often went with her dad. One day on a short boat trip, the boat lurched, and her dad fell overboard, and drowned. A great loss. To her, the family, church, and community.

Already a writer of hymns and poetry Carolina Berg was comforted to write a hymn often sung in all churches;

"Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here.

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry, or for fear.

He whose heart is kind, beyond all measure,

Gives unto each day, what He deems best,

Lovingly, it’s part of pain, or pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest....

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E’er to take as from a Father’s hand;

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land." C.S. Berg

Carolina Berg knew God allows no trial beyond His care. That life isn’t fair - but God is fair and ever there. She had to learn not to worry, for most of us are prone to do so about so many matters. Verses like Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious (worry) for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Or I Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon Him (the Lord), for He cares for you." If we are trusting Jesus as our Savior, God is going to take care of His children - in a way that is best, we can be sure. Jesus said, Do not worry (Matthew 6:25). God is our refuge. Even amid trials, troubles or sorrows, it is good to Praise the Lord (Psalm 150) and pray.

Read Martin Luther’s life, he had troubles - his favorite Psalm was 46 - it inspired his hymns, gave courage. Knowing God’s love, and our love for God, we trust Him. Believe His Holy Spirit is with us. He is. Is All wise, Almighty, All-loving, God is Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask. In God’s will. His way. His timing. He blesses us.

God never needs to ask another for any counsel, or any advice. And God’s ways are the best ways, remember. So, our Heavenly Father rejoices to have His children pray for His will, guidance, and blessing. And not just when we are in trouble. Every day. Surely, He feels our pains, trials, and testings. We don’t always understand clearly what God is doing.

Some say all trouble is to punish. No, No! It was not to punish Jesus! Some trouble for us; but most, I believe, God may allow to perfect us. To help us be gentler, loving, kind, and caring. To understand graciously, the problems and pains that others may be going through - and to pray for them.

Jesus was full of compassion. We are told that Jesus wept, for His friend, Lazarus - and over the city of Jerusalem that Palm Sunday long ago - and for us. Over the hungry, homeless, hurting; the neglected orphaned, and unbelievers, unsaved, or, with no hope.

Some may remember this popular song, a few years ago:

"When darkness comes, and pain is all around,

Like a bridge over troubled waters,

I will lay me down. I will lay me down."

One of Simon and Garfunkels hits, and still is good today. Jesus is that Bridge, over our troubled waters. Jesus laid down His life for us, on a rugged cross. He shed His precious lifeblood, for all our sins. Then, as promised, He arose, alive, seen by many! Forty days, Jesus appeared to multitudes - Risen! Then before their eyes, He ascended back to heaven, and what is He doing? Ever interceding for us. That’s so vital and helpful, to have Jesus praying for us!

Jesus said, You believe in God; believe in Me. Do we? In our kind of world, we must learn to face difficulty. Trouble comes, like a 9/11/01, a crash or illness. We may not always understand why. Why this? Now? Nor blame God if difficulty, disaster, distress come. God has His plans. We know He loves us all, dearly. If we are born again in Christ, we are His child. He is going to care for us, better than any of us.

We don’t need to understand it all. Just trust God. We don’t understand electricity, or the internet. We just accept and enjoy it. Same way, trust God!

John Wesley said, Bring me a worm that comprehends a man, and I’ll show you a man who can comprehend God. We cannot fully comprehend; it is enough to follow. For His faithful ones, God will not fail or forget.

Don’t let trouble get you down, except on your knees!

Is our loving Heavenly Father allowing some seemingly difficult circumstance in your life, tell Him all about it. Maybe