Galatians 2:21 – I do not frustrate the grace of God….. (KJV)
I realize there is a lot more to this verse than I’ve just written, but I want to focus on this portion of it.
“I do not frustrate the grace of God…” – ……..but I do.
If I’m honest with myself, I probably frustrate the Lord more often than most. He, as my heavenly Father gives me the free will to choose. I get to choose my day, the time I spend with God, family and others.
I can’t begin to imagine how frustrating I can be as I make unwise choices, such as choosing good over best, choosing less over waiting for more and choosing to not try because fear grips my heart.
I don’t want to frustrate God. I don’t want to trample all over His mercy and grace. It breaks my heart to think that I break His heart.
What are some ways that I’m sure I frustrate God?
- Lack of faith – I want faith that moves mountains. According to Matthew 17:20, all I need is as much as a grain of a mustard seed to do so. We see simple miracles often and yet like the children of Israel; we need to see more in order to believe. We need to be reminded more often than not. Recently, Spreading JOY Corp was asked to help out someone that needed $1000.00 to avoid eviction in a week. I was certain that this family would be evicted as I have tried to raise money before and knew nothing short of a miracle was needed. I searched for that grain of faith to move mountains but felt it was nowhere to be found. Thankfully – so many heroes stepped up and gave. Not only did they help this family, but they increased my faith.
- Lack of time – We are so busy with family, church, work, housework, errands, dinner, softball, keeping the dog clean and visits with friends in coffee shops that we tend to not make time to build and strengthen our relationship with the Lord. We live in a Burger King world and want to have it “our” way – quick, easy and simple. God desires us to spend time with HIM. If our children were obedient to every single thing we told them to do and yet NEVER spent any time with us, our hearts would break. I imagine the Lord’s heart breaking when we get to busy with “stuff” to spend time with Him.
- Unworthy feelings – We are joint heirs with Christ, so why on earth do we let these feelings get in the way? We feel like we do not deserve God’s love, blessings and his power. Because His mercy and grace is renewed each day, we get to have these wonderful things, even though we feel like we shouldn’t. God wants to bless us, use us and empower us. We are made in His image and even though HE knows our heart, our doubts and fears , HE still chooses to love us – UNCONDITIONALLY. How amazing is our God?
Have you ever thought about this?
There are so many other ways that we frustrate the Lord. Will you dare list some of the ways you frustrate Him? What are you going to do about it?
What verses will help you, motivate you and move you away from frustrating the Lord to making His heart smile?
Tell me – talk to me… or am I the only one frustrating God? hmmm?
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A verse that helps me to make God’s heart smile: “But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love” (Psalm 147:11 ESV). I know we must frustrate Him, just as our children can frustrate us. But you know those moments when your kiddo comes up to you and randomly says, “I love you, Mom.” You know how that warms your heart? When I choose to do the right thing because of my love and respect for Him and I rest in His love for me, I imagine it brings a smile to His face.
I Love that Jaylin!! I love the thought that we can randomly make God smile too! We forget that He is our Father and that just taking time to spend with Him to say I love you and appreciate you and I’m not asking for anything, I just want to schooch in close to you for a bit will make His heart smile!
thanks for the smile!
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
Great post. It goes along well with a sermon my Pastor preached a couple of weeks ago. So often we spend our time, talents, and treasures doing things that WE want and then when it comes to using our time to serve God, or giving our money to things to help further God’s kingdom, we all of sudden say we don’t have any time or any extra money. Our priorities get mixed up from time to time, so I’m really thankful for gentle reminders to get back on track.
Ashley Swavel recently posted..I’m OBSESSED with my New Planner Cover + How I Planned My Week
so true ashley – we tend to have the money for what we want. just depends on if we want it bad enough 🙂
thanks for stopping by
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
I think I frustrate God most with my lack of faith. I pray for things and often don’t really expect the results to be what I’d like them to be.
Jelli recently posted..Labor and Birth Bible Verse Printables
I know. I say we shouldn’t be surprised by God but yet we should always be surprised by God and I hope I continue to be surprised by God.
I know your faith will continue to grow!
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
i don’t think it’s just frustrating God – but grieving the Holy Spirit as well
andi recently posted..Earn Over $100 When You Use The Ibotta App!
the through of grieving my mom Andi – hurts so badly…and then i think wow.. should i grieve the Holy Spirit – wow.
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
I absolutely love this and I have so been there. I too want faith that moves mountains! I think I frustrate God when I continually try to do things on my own! Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
Cathy
Thanks Cathy! We can see the majesty of the Lord and yet our faith seems so small and even in that, all we need is the faith the size of the GRAIN of a mustard seed. I’m with you
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
I never thought that my unworthy feelings would frustrate God. It’s an important thought and one I need to think about.
Pamela recently posted..How Full is Your Prayer Bowl?
I know Pamela, unlike Queen Esther who wondered if the King would bid her come… we never have to wonder if the King of Kings will bid us come or not. We will always be welcomed, we are always welcome at His table, to sit at His feet as HIS Very Own
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
This is a challenging post. I’m continually amazed by how patient God is with me.
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I know I have been frustrating to Him lately. Some personal issues…..
Denise, been there, done that and that is why I do what I do here at Spreading Joy – to encourage others. Personal issues seem to abound sometimes. Tears seem never ending and that can be very depressing and isolating. Praying for you
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
I often have to remember that even though I’m stubborn and often frustrated, God’s desire for me to turn to Him in all times will help me and therefore lift Him up more.
Great thoughts!
Marissa
Marissa, A conversation with me and my daughter recently went like this…
Mom, Maybe God doesn’t want me to go here
Me – Maybe He does.
Her – Maybe the fact the funds didn’t come in is telling me to not to go.
Me – maybe it’s telling you to step out in faith and Watch Him work, everything else has fallen right into place.
Her – what if I can’t do it.
Me – what if you can
I told her exactly what you said – turn to HIM and allow Him to finish what He started.
Marie recently posted..Opportunity to Help a Family
It’s so important to focus on pleasing God. The best reminder I have is that God loves me no matter what. God loves me the same today, yesterday, and always.
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Wow…what a wonderful post, Marie! I so agree with what you are saying! Thanks for sharing and inspiring us to walk a better walk with the Lord! Blessings to you!
I think I could get to be the most frustrating child sometimes. Thank God for His unending mercy and patience as I work on becoming better every day.
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Marie, God has brought me through so many seasons in these 45 earthly years. The best seasons are when I wake up,to the kiss of Jesus, walk down the stairs to the holy ground of my office and feast at the banquet He has prepared for me. Nothing sets the day like this. I have been in a season of filling and have disciplined myself to meet with Him every day since the first of January this year. I am passionate about women meeting with Christ this way. When He feeds us, and we commune with Him in a consummation of souls, we truly start to believe He is as close as our breath and we indeed can do all things through Him who gives us strength.