Frustration is simply the worst. Recently I have noticed a trend in my life and those close around me that as soon as one begins to gain ground and start making their way, opposition immediately decides to push back. It’s disheartening, it prevents the momentum that was started, and it leads to frustration. Sometimes I just want to scream because it feels as if everything is trying to stop me from moving forward. As we grow in leadership and stand up for what we know God wants of us, people, work, and self-doubt creeps in. It makes us frustrated.

Frustration disconnects us from what God knows we can do.

This often causes us as people to run away or feel hopeless. I know this, because I deal with this on a regular basis. I get started moving towards what I think God wants me to do, then someone makes a disrespectful comment, or I find myself in a situation where I thought I was prepared but end up falling. Life is never easy, if anyone tells you otherwise, they’re probably crazy. Moments like this make me want to quit, to give in during the battle. Sometimes God feels distant, like he left me on my own or that maybe he doesn’t even care at all.

The biggest lie the enemy tells us is that we are alone, and God has left us.

I was talking to my sister today as I talked about the frustrations that I face in my life, the biggest encouragement, was that she has the same feelings. That may at first seem a bit strange that I was encouraged by the fact that we both struggle, but it showed me that all of us as humans will struggle. We aren’t perfect, that’s pretty much the basis for everything that happens in the bible. We are fallen, and we need a savior to make us whole. The enemy likes to tell us that we are alone in our struggles and that everyone else has it figured out. When in actuality, we need to come alongside one another and encourage our brothers and sisters because we all struggle. After talking to my sister we were able to encourage each other and speak life into each other. I’m so thankful for my sister and my family, and as believers we should encourage those who are in our spiritual family.

God has a purpose in our time of frustration.  

As hard as it may sound, God uses our hardship to grow us and help us rely on him for all that we need. How do I know this, well the book of Romans has a clear message about the conflicts and trials we face. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose.” Notice how that verse doesn’t say in some things or in the good times of our lives, it says in all things God works for the good of those who love him. We have been called by God, chosen to accomplish different parts of his vision, and even when we feel alone or like we’re going nowhere, God will use us. When we start looking at hardships through this point of view, it relieves us of frustration and prevents us from sinning in our anger.

When we rely on God for support, encourage fellow believers, and live life viewing hardship as an opportunity, nothing will stop us from building the kingdom of God.

Life will be hard and we may feel like everything is against us, but nothing will get in the way of our relationship with God. The last few verses in Romans 8 capture this idea and set it in stone. Romans 8:37-39 says, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse encouraged me today as I was feeling like I couldn’t make it, like I was failing my vision, yet when we rely on Christ he gives me strength. This verse encouraged me and helped me through my feelings of frustration, giving me peace from my anger, it was what I needed to hear.

I hope that this encourages you, helps you during whatever you may be struggling with. You aren’t alone in this battle, God has put you where you are for a reason. He wants to see you grow and gain wisdom from the hardships you face, nothing will separate you from the love of God.

-Joshua Thomas