Bye Bye Frustration

In a world of instant gratification, we all want things NOW. Fast Food, drive-thru ATM machines, swiping credit cards, microwaveable meals; all designed to give us things quickly.

But what happens when you have to stand in a line at the supermarket, wait in a traffic jam, hurry up to wait? Do you feel yourself get frustrated? Do you sense anger? Do you find yourself agitated? Do you find yourself tapping your fingers? You know when you push the coffee button and you find yourself tapping your fingers on the counter top, saying; “Come on already!”

I bet you can see yourself when you read those questions. So, what should we do when we find ourselves in these situations?

We are given a tremendous illustration in John 11:3-7.

3	So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
4	But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.”
5	Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Laz’arus.
6	So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7	Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go into Judea again.”

Jesus was told that Lazarus was sick. Instead of rushing to his side, Jesus stayed where He was for two more days. In the same passage, we are told that Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. What can be derived from all of this?

When things are delayed or don’t happen when we want them; we tend to get frustrated, depressed, or angered. A lot of times, we find ourselves wishing and praying for our break through, healing, restoration; only to find the answer not forthcoming. What we need to realize is that God doesn’t work on our time frame. He knows the exact time, the exact way, and the perfect solution. In the passage mentioned, Jesus let us know that we are loved. He let us know that He had the answer. He let us know that the reason for the delay was to honor God and to promote His glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.

So, the next time you find yourself waiting for God’s intervention, help, healing power, or answer… BREATHE DEEPLY, RELAX, and say BYE BYE to the frustration. Don’t see a delay as a set back…see the delay as a set up! KNOW THAT HE WILL PROVIDE YOU with what you need, at the exact moment you need it. God just might be using the situation to give you a better revelation in Him; so that when it does happen, there will be absolutely no question that HE did it! You will become an even greater testimony with your incredible story of God’s awesome power!