DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION

“To conquer frustration, one must remain intensely focused on the outcome, not the obstacles.” (T.F. Hodge)

I read the author’s quote above and was intrigued. It made me focus on our Christian journey, especially the times that we have to wait on the Lord to help us conquer our obstacles. Being intrigued, I had to do some investigating in the world of God. Instantly, before I could open my Bible, I thought of the woman at the well who had the issue of blood for twelve years and had spent on her living upon physicians. You know the story; none could heal them.

For twelve years she was focused on her desired outcome. For twelve years she surely had to be frustrated by being unable to find relief from her condition. Yet, this woman, surely frustrated, she never gave up. She remained, as the author above said, intensely focused on the outcome.

One day, when Jesus had returned to Capernaum, a crowd was around Jesus. The multitude was so great that it was inhibiting Jesus from getting to Jarius’ house to heal his dying daughter. The gathering made it difficult for this woman with the issue of blood to get to Jesus. Timeout! Look at the obstacles! Physicians were not able to heal her! People in her surrounding could not help her! Persistent negative results for 12 years, a long period of time, that surely must have caused her to be filled with disappointment. Yet, when she saw the One who could intervene in the normal and abnormal courses of events in life; when she saw the One who was able to perform miracles, she reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. She was focused on the outcome. Did she finally get what she needed, a healing, a fixing, a recovery? The answer is yes! But if she had let the obstacles offset her hope and overtake her focus, she would not have overcome her frustrations. Jesus healed her. Yes, it was Jesus! It was not magic! Yes, it was Jesus! It was not the garment, but it was God in the flesh, Jesus! Whenever you have to deal with frustration, and you have obstacles that make you feel like going on, do like the woman above. Stay focused on your outcome and reach out to Jesus. If you ever get frustrated by the wait, forget that and forge ahead!  Keep wanting and waiting and keep working toward the desired outcome that the Lord wants you to experience. Intrigued? Well, I hope you go further than being intrigued and insist on taking your frustrations to the Master. He can make everything right. Yes, He can! Have a great day!  Be blessed

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NASB)

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King