“Now I do not want you to be unaware,
brethren, that I often planned to come to
you (but was hindered until now), that I
might have some fruit among you also, just
as among the other Gentiles” (Romans 1:13
NKJV).

“Therefore we wanted to come to you — even
I, Paul, time and again–but Satan hindered
us” (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

“Therefore when I was planning this, did I
do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I
plan according to the flesh, that with me
there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?” (2
Corinthians 1:17).

The noun “frustration” does not appear in the New King James Version of the Bible. Its verb form occurs 4 times:

Once referring to the actions of Israel’s enemies to prevent the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 4:5)

Twice describing God’s defeating the intents of the unrighteous (Job 5:12; Isaiah 44:25)

Once of the Jewish trio defeating the effort of Nebuchadnezzar to kill them for refusing to bow down before his image (Daniel 3:28).

It is apparent however that righteous people in Biblical times faced frustration. Paul’s missionary plans, made with the best of intentions, were not always carried out, usually through no fault of his own.

Jesus himself wept with apparent frustration over the hard hearts of the residents of Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-38).

This has been a frustrating period for me personally.
Due to civil unrest and violence in Bangladesh I was strongly urged to cancel my spring visit there this year. I spent extra time in Nepal, and had a very productive period there, but it too was interrupted several times by strikes and other issues.

Such events are part of life, and are not unique to any individual or occupation. No one looks forward to them.  Sometimes they disrupt our plans and cause genuine difficulties.

How should we as Christians react? The temptation is to be irritated or even angry. That is hardly productive, however. There is a better way.

First we must understand the nature of these events, from God’s perspective. They are included as part of the “tribulations” (Romans 5:3), which seem to trouble us, but may be turned into occasions of joy. By overcoming the impulse towards anger and defeatism we develop patience and character, which are blessings which God desires for us.

Secondly, we may find that hindrances which prevent one planned activity provide opportunities for even better things. This was Paul’s experience on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6-10).

He intended first to preach in Asia, then in Bithynia, but was not permitted to do either. The result was that he went to Europe (Macedonia and Achaia) and established the first churches of record on that continent.

Finally, we recognize that our patient acceptance of frustration stands as an example to others. It is not Christ-like to “rant and rave” over inconveniences. Far better that we should show patience with a calm and peaceful demeanor, overcoming discouragement.

No one enjoys disruptions. But even these events may be turned into blessings, when handled as God intends.

–by Michael E. Brooks @ www.forthright.net