Frustration is a very, well, frustrating emotion!

It stems from our desire to have things go as we’d like them to go. After all, we make our plans, take our action steps and expect certain results.

But I’m coming to see that in many situations, the very frustration I’m trying to avoid or overcome has been placed there by God Himself.

Really, I do believe that.

Paul the Apostle has taught me that lesson…

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

As far as I know, God has never given me a “messenger of Satan to harass me.” But it’s very illuminating to me to know that He did give one to Paul.

It was so important to God that Paul remain humble, that He gave him a very difficult, hard, frustrating condition that he had to deal with the rest of his life.

Why wouldn’t God give me a bit of frustration now and then, too?

How can we better help our families understand God as the great frustrator?

Focus on His sovereignty more than we think about our “rights” or “choices.” After all, do we really have any rights in light of His great will?
Begin conversations about the value of humility before our Creator. If His ways are truly best, what does it say about our attitude of frustration when He brings/allows an unforeseen something to come up?
Encourage each other to delight in God’s plans, especially when they are not what we would have preferred. We’ll learn to value His plan above our preferences.
Relax. God’s not stressed about a thing. If we trust Him, we should not be either.

Take some time to discuss those and other topics with your family.