When Life Doesn’t Play Fair
When life feels unfair, lean on God—and each other.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19)
There’s a scene in Remember the Titans that perfectly captures today’s message. It’s the State Semi-final game, and TC Williams High School—undefeated and newly racially integrated—is being unfairly targeted by the officials. The fix is in.
Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Bill Yoast (portrayed by Will Patton) confronts the referees, demanding they “straighten” things out. Then he turns to his defense and calls out his star player, Petey Jones (played by Donald Faison). Petey protests, “They’re calling a holding penalty on me every time!” Yoast snaps back: “Did I ask for your excuses? You want to act like a star, you better give me a star effort.”
Petey, frustrated, walks off. Yoast doesn’t dwell on that. He calls up the next man—yes, ladies, that player would have been portrayed by a young Ryan Gosling—and gives the defense its marching orders. They rally. They overcome. They win.
The lesson? Life isn’t always fair. And when it’s not, our instinct is often to carry the burden alone. But that’s a heavy lift.
The response? Pause. Ask God for wisdom. Talk to the One who’s in control. Chances are, He’s already placed mentors, pastors, friends, and coaches in your life who can help. Sometimes we just need to step back, take a breath, and look around. The answers are often closer than we think
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
When the game feels rigged, lean into the One who sees the whole field.
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.”
When opposition feels orchestrated, remember: God’s protection is stronger than any scheme.
Have a GREAT week—full of courage, clarity, and trust in the Coach who never misses a play.
Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley