Fruit Of Frustration!

Have you ever undertaken a project of some kind, listened to or read the instructions that pertained to it, decided you had a better idea on how to get it done, and then got frustrated when it just wouldn’t come together right? Thinking the assembly is so easy there is no need to waste time looking at the directions. Thinking something could be done quicker by leaving out a few steps thought to be insignificant. Has that been our experience?

The reality is there are many things that are a bit more complicated than they might at first appear. This is no more true than when it comes to considering how we are to live. History is full of examples of people (and nations) deciding to do their own thing and then having to reap the fruit of their actions. Much could be avoided if mankind would just listen to what the Creator of life has to say about living it. Even though the nation of Israel was forewarned, they still again and again chose to depart from God’s commands and do their own thing. They even at times credited other gods with having granted the blessings God had provided.

Prior to Moses’ death and Joshua’s leading of the nation into the promised land, attention was brought to some blessings and curses. God had Moses share the blessings that would be received if the nation continued in obedience and the curses that would come upon them if they turned from Him and His Will. ( Deuteronomy 27-28)

Among the warnings we read…
“(15) But IF YOU WILL NOT OBEY THE VOICE OF THE LORD YOUR GOD or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you. (16) Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field. (17) Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. (18) Cursed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. (19) Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. (20) THE LORD WILL SEND ON YOU curses, confusion, and FRUSTRATION IN ALL THAT YOU UNDERTAKE TO DO, until you are destroyed and perish quickly on account of the evil of your deeds, BECAUSE YOU HAVE FORSAKEN ME.” ( Deuteronomy 28:15-20 ESV)

If they turned from God’s Way, whatever they undertook to do would be met with frustration. Granted there are various things (including the uncooperativeness of others) that can factor in to whether something works out or not even when we have chosen to do things in accordance with God’s Will. However, when we do find ourselves frustrated with the results of our efforts, perhaps that should prompt us to re-evaluate WHOSE WILL AND DIRECTIONS we have relied upon. When the Psalmist noted God frustrating the plans of the nations, he went on to state that the “counsel of the LORD stands forever.” ( Psalm 33:10-11)

Like Jeremiah, let us admit…
“(23) I know, O LORD, that THE WAY OF MAN IS NOT IN HIMSELF, that IT IS NOT IN MAN WHO WALKS TO DIRECT HIS STEPS.” ( Jeremiah 10:23 ESV)

When we reap the fruit of frustration may it redirect our focus toward God and His principles for living. Every step we take in life should be considered in light of what He has revealed. Let us allow the fruit of frustration to turn our focus toward God, acknowledging that HIS WAY IS ALWAYS RIGHT!

Have a great day ENJOYING THE FRUIT OF GOD’S WAY!
Carl

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