By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction: How many of us have ever been frustrated by the things we have to deal with in life?  At times, nothing seems to go right and we often quit a task in frustration. 

          Our hot water tank quit working last week.  Of course, that wasn’t planned and the thought of spending time and money to get it replaced was frustrating enough.  But after 3 trips to the store, $300 dollars, at least a dozen attempts to get the water to quit leaking from the pipes, I finally got the new tank installed at one o’clock in the morning.  And the thought of it stills frustrates me!

          We’ve all been frustrated at times in our life.  Maybe it was that repair job that comes apart easier then it went back together.  Maybe it was the neighbor complaining about your yard.  Maybe it was the time you spent teaching another only to see your efforts come to naught.  Maybe it is never having enough money but more then enough bills.  Maybe it’s your car that keeps breaking down.  Maybe it is a personal battle to overcome a weakness.  Maybe it was a brother or sister misjudging you.  Maybe it was those deer that kept running into you car. J 

          Is there a way to deal with frustrations?

I. Luke 18:1-8

          A.  The parable is about a widow who was frustrated with a judge who was reluctant to help her situation but eventually did.

          B. The lesson of the parable is that God will certainly take care of your concerns if you would just practice a little patience in your faith. 

          C.  The key is prayer.  “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”  Know that the Lord will take care of you!       

II. 2 Corinthians 3:14-4:1

          A. Paul was aware that not everyone would accept Christ.  But it is frustrating that people are more willing to listen to someone who peddles God’s word deceitfully (2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2) then to obey the truth.

          B. Paul took solace knowing that he, being a Christian, has obtained mercy from God.  “As we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”  God will deal with the disobedient (Heb. 10:38-39).

III. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

          A. Those of us who are older can appreciate what Paul is saying here.  It is frustrating not being able to physically do things that we once took for granted.  As we age our bodies decay.  The older we get, the more afflictions we bear. 

          B. But as Christians, we don’t lose heart because we know that the things that are not seen are worth every bit of pain we endure.  Life is temporary but heaven is eternal!

IV. Galatians 6:9-10

          A. Sometimes just doing good can get frustrating.  People don’t always appreciate what you’re doing and others might even misjudge your actions.

          B. Paul dealt with this kind of thing as well (1 Cor. 4:3-5).  He didn’t allow other’s misjudgments affect him knowing that Christ will judge everything accurately in the end.

          C. If we don’t lose heart and grow weary we will reap in due season.

V. Ephesians 3:13

          A.  If anyone knows how frustrating it can be to be a servant of Christ it was Paul (2 Cor. 11:24-33).

          B.   Paul was in prison (again) when he wrote the letter to the Ephesians.  His concern was that they would lose heart when they heard of his recent  tribulations.  We all get frustrated when the ones we love are hurt.  Notice what Paul prays on their behalf (Eph. 3:14-19).

Conclusion:  Lest we think that God is going to spare us from frustrations let’s read 1 Tim. 15-16.  Paul’s life was a pattern to those who are going to heaven!  Life is frustrating but we have the Lord on our side that makes everything tolerable.  Do not lose heart.  The Lord is coming and in the end the frustrations in life will all be insignificant.

          Are you feeling frustrated because your life isn’t right with God?  

Last modified: 05/02/08