God is not fair. At least in the way we ordinarily think, God is not fair. We imagine that if we put this much effort in, we should get this much out. Thus, if I just pray a little harder, then I will get what I want. We try to browbeat God with our prayers. Sadly, experience has taught us that doesn’t work. The loved one still dies, the family is still in crisis, the bills are still unpaid. The parable of the laborers in the vineyard teaches us that God doesn’t give us what we want or even what we deserve. God gives us what we need — “the usual daily wage.” Faith requires us to trust that what God gives is for the best.
