Frustration

Frustration

May 06

Frustration

It’s a big word, not so much the phonetics but the implication. This is something we all feel at times in our lives. But mor often than not we are discouraged from talking about ors frustrations. Sometimes frustration is obvious others times it’s hidden below the surface. Either way YOU are the only one who can truly deal with it.

Too often we look at frustration and see reason trapped in exterior stimuli. Life, spouse, kids, job, co-workers, all these externals have their place in allowing frustration to mount, but the true file comes from within.

Jesus dealt with frustration on one well recognized occasion. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died. When he received word, he and his disciples returned to the family home of this close friend. Jesus was well known by this family. They had listened to his teachings and had seen the miracles he performed. They were believers.

But now one of their own was laying in a tomb, wrapped in grave cloths. As word of Jesus’ arrival reached the family of Lazarus, his two sisters ran out one at a time to meet him. Each sister, in her own words said, “if you had only been here my brother would still be alive.” Jesus answered each of them with these sentiments, “Have I not told you that if you believe in me you will never die.” Each sister heard the words but did not take to heart what he was truly saying.

Then Jesus appears at the tomb where Lazarus was buried. He looked around at all the mourners and became so frustrated in his faith that cried. Jesus didn’t cry because his friend was lying in the tomb dead. He cried because, even though he had stared it many times, the living, loving, God of heaven and earth was standing right in front of them and they did not realize the potential they were faced with.

Frustration is a byproduct of a heart directive with no tangible evidence. Seeing through the eye of faith may strain reality. The expected and intended outcome may bring disbelief and criticism from others. But just as faith is internally charged, so is frustration internally controlled. Outside influences may incite emotions of frustration, but we have the ability to transfer those emotions to that of faith.