Foiling Frustrations

In military action, they have covert operations. These are military campaigns, which are done undercover to surprise and subdue  the adversary. In Christianity, there is a covert operation in place by the adversary; that is, frustration. Frustration is an inevitable part of life; even the Christian life. Frustration surfaces because life does not stop. Even those that have faith in God can sometimes sink into this pit of discouragement, depression, and despair. The words of David become the hallmark of existence,

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psalms 22:1 (KJV)

Have  you  ever  wondered:  Why does  God allow us to suffer? Why does He seem so uninterested at times to our supplications and prayers? It feels as if He does not care about what we are going through. We know from David’s words and the words of Christ on the cross that it happens in the life of those who possess faith in God.

We may not always understand why or receive an answer from Him about why we have to go through so many bad things. Yet, we must maintain our faith, hope, and trust in Him. To master frustration, we want to leave three points of consideration. If you remember these, you will do well.

First, God is not a liar. Though it may seem as if God has forsaken you and left you alone, He gave a promise saying that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Even when it seems like He is not there, He is. His presence is the only reason you have not quit or had a breakdown. He is there.

Second, God has a plan and purpose in all things. It does seem insensitive when someone says to us that God has a plan when we are experiencing devastating situations: such as death, sickness, loss of job, and other life changing events. It seems this way because we forget that ultimately, God’s plan revolves around the souls of men and their salvation rather than a person’s personal comfort.

We may not always agree, but God is love and wants what is best for us. Either negative circumstances can draw us closer to Him or we can allow them to push us away from Him. In addition, God’s plan may be that others see your faith in the midst of your  trials  and troubles, which brings glory to Him.

Third, God gives peace. Jesus promised His disciples peace. He told them that they would have problems, but His peace and joy would be with them. Some Christians do not recall this. God gives peace and joy because we will experience hardships and difficulties. The problem is that we focus on God changing the situation, rather than on the fact that He can give peace, joy, grace, and strength while we go through it. The peace of God is available, but we have to ask for it, receive it, and walk in it.

Though frustration surfaces, it does not have to master us. We can trust His love; knowing He will do justly in our lives.  Continue to believe, hope, and trust knowing that frustration does not have to be your lot. You can foil your frustrations before they dominate you.