One step to overcoming frustration …

In spite of my searching, I haven’t been able to come up with the identity of the person who once said, “I never have frustrations. The reason is to wit: If at first I don’t succeed, I quit!”

Our great temptation at times of frustration is to simply quit. Shut it down, eliminate the the source of grief, and just walk away.

At times, and in some situations, that can be tempting to do.

Even Jesus experienced frustration. If you don’t believe that, just listen to how frustration drips from His words here …

“‘You unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me,'” Matthew 17:17.

In spite of times when things may be difficult or complicated, or even when doing the right thing doesn’t seem to be making the progress or impact you hoped for, quitting usually isn’t the right response. Even the Apostle Paul writes, “Let us not become weary in [or frustrated with] doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” Galatians 6:9.

When we’re tempted to be frustrated with where we’re at in life, and we currently are not able to progress, how do we avoid being overwhelmed with frustration?

By following Jesus’ example.

Jesus had the most difficult mission in life anyone ever had. His mission was to seek and save the lost. There were many reasons for Him to be frustrated throughout His ministry, but more than anything else Jesus trusted His Father’s plan for Him. His faith in His Father fueled an unyielding passion for doing the will of His Father above all, and that was greater than any of the frustrations Jesus experienced putting up with us humans.

When you’re at that point when you’re about to give in to being frustrated, keep the faith! Trust God to be bigger than your frustrations, and in His willingness and ability to bring you through them …

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand,” Psalm 37:23-24.

Scotty