Spreading Joy

Making a Difference One Person At a Time One Day At a Time

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Warm Welcome
    • Spreading Joy Daily
    • Work with Me
    • Quick Links
  • Spreading Joy
    • JOY for the Journey
    • 30 Days of Spreading Joy
    • Videos
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Our Passion
  • Resources
    • Where We Link UP
    • Books
    • Christian Resources
    • Singing and Such
    • The Bible in 90 Days
    • Freebies
  • Christian Social Media Kits

July 17, 2014 by Spreading Joy

Frustrating God

[Translate]

 

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.

frustrating God

 

“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?

 

no joy like spreading joy

Don’t miss a single encouraging article!

Subscribe to Spreading Joy by Email:

 

Enter your email address:Delivered by FeedBurner

 

 

© 2014, Spreading Joy. All rights reserved.

    Related Posts:

  • I Have Learned

    This year has been a roller coaster of emotions. I’ve been thinking lately ..

  • What In the World

    After this week’s bombing attack in Boston, I’m hearing a lot of ..

  • Tragedy turned to Triumph

      You work hard to make ends meet. You have little children that depend ..

  • Facing the Impossible

    Immediately upon hearing her words, tears welled up in my eyes and ..

  • Tears are Healing

    I honestly believe that laughter is the best medicine! Nothing like friends getting ..

  • Shine for HIM

    We are reflecting God’s amazing light and HE has equipped us to ..

❮❮ Previous Post
Next Post ❯ ❯

Comments

  1. 1

    Jaylin says

    September 1, 2015 at 11:27 am

    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.

    Reply
    • 2

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 9:58 am

      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

      Reply
  2. 3

    Ashley Swavel says

    September 1, 2015 at 11:56 am

    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

    Reply
    • 4

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 10:03 am

      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

      Reply
  3. 5

    Jelli says

    September 1, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    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

    Reply
    • 6

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 10:04 am

      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

      Reply
  4. 7

    andi says

    September 1, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • 8

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 10:05 am

      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

      Reply
  5. 9

    Cathy says

    September 1, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    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

    Reply
    • 10

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 10:06 am

      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

      Reply
  6. 11

    Pamela says

    September 2, 2015 at 12:31 am

    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?

    Reply
    • 12

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 10:08 am

      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

      Reply
  7. 13

    Melanie says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:00 am

    This is a challenging post. I’m continually amazed by how patient God is with me.
    Melanie recently posted..What’s a ZOODLE?

    Reply
  8. 14

    Denise says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:58 am

    I know I have been frustrating to Him lately. Some personal issues…..

    Reply
    • 15

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 10:09 am

      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

      Reply
  9. 16

    Marissa says

    September 2, 2015 at 8:31 am

    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

    Reply
    • 17

      Marie says

      September 2, 2015 at 10:12 am

      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

      Reply
  10. 18

    Jonathan Key says

    September 2, 2015 at 7:27 pm

    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.
    Jonathan Key recently posted..Conduct a Social Media Audit [Day 8 of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog from Problogger]

    Reply
  11. 19

    Christine says

    September 4, 2015 at 12:22 am

    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!

    Reply
  12. 20

    Lux says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:57 am

    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.
    Lux recently posted..The Practical Shopper Went Cheap Wedding And Bridesmaid Dresses Shopping

    Reply
  13. 21

    Trish Pederson says

    September 8, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    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.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Our Mission: Empower and serve everyday ordinary people

Our Vision: Transforming communities and inspiring individuals through acts of joy.

Give a Tax Deductible Gift today

Thank you for your donation! Spreading Joy doesn't have any employees and all expenses are paid for by the founder. This enables us to take 100% of the donation you make and help meet the needs of others. Thank you for Spreading Joy with us!

Hang out With Us

We Love Mail!

You can send in your donation or Cards for Veterans or send us a letter of your Spreading Joy Experience to PO Box 1771 Denver NC 28037

Voice Over

Get More Joy for your Journey

Free tips, encouragement and ideas!

Thank you!

We look forward to Spreading Joy with Y O U!

Are you Spreading Joy Daily?

Are you Spreading Joy Daily?

Get your Copy Today

Recent Articles of Encouragement

  • Calming Beach SLEEP STORY for DEEP SLEEP and Relaxation | Sleep With Ocean Waves in Background
  • AY9581 Life In and Out
  • Jesus Said
  • Treasure Kingdom Review
  • In Preparation for the Process
  • Eve, Where Are You?: Confronting Toxic Practices Against the Advancement of Women
  • Research-Backed Mindfulness & Wellness Serene App
  • Letting Go
  • Don’t Quit
  • Exploring Wisdom from Proverbs

Work With Me

Work With Me

Give a gift of Coffee! Or Treat Yourself!

Bean Box Coffee Gift Guide

Happy Mail for the Kids

50 Ways to Make a Difference

Make a Difference

Regardless of the resources you feel you don't have, you CAN make a difference! We will show you how!

Affiliate Disclosure

This Site may contain Affiliate links. At no additional cost to you we could receive a small percentage of any purchases you make. This will help us as we are Spreading Joy Daily and should flood your heart with JOY as you purchase something you want, knowing it gives back to an organization who cares.

Blog Archives

Looking for Something Specific?

The Gift of 2010

Heart for Others Week 1

Eve, Where Are You?: Confronting Toxic Practices Against the Advancement of Women

Letters to God

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2022 · Design byEkko Web Solutions · WordPress · Log in

Pretty Chic Theme By: Pretty Darn Cute Design

English English Afrikaans Afrikaans العربية العربية Беларуская Беларуская български български català català česky česky Cymraeg Cymraeg dansk dansk Deutsch Deutsch ελληνική ελληνική español español eesti eesti فارسی فارسی suomi suomi français français Gaeilge Gaeilge galego galego עברית עברית हिन्दी हिन्दी hrvatski hrvatski magyar magyar bahasa Indonesia bahasa Indonesia íslenska íslenska italiano italiano 日本語 日本語 한국어 한국어 lietuvių lietuvių latviešu latviešu македонски македонски bahasa Melayu bahasa Melayu Malti Malti Nederlands Nederlands norsk norsk polski polski português português română română русский русский slovenčina slovenčina slovenščina slovenščina shqipe shqipe српски српски svenska svenska Kiswahili Kiswahili ภาษาไทย ภาษาไทย Filipino Filipino Türkçe Türkçe українська українська tiếng Việt tiếng Việt ייִדיש ייִדיש 中文 (简体) 中文 (简体) 中文 (繁體) 中文 (繁體) powered byGoogle