“It happened again?! Man I just can’t catch a break!”

What is frustration? It’s that gap between where we are and where we want to be… between what we have and what we want. Paul was very much acquainted with frustration as we can see in him talking about his “thorn in the flesh,” praying multiple times that God would remove it and ultimately that not happening.

But, what Paul realizes is that while the “messenger of Satan” intended it for his harm, God allowed, and even GAVE it to him, for His purpose of revealing His grace in Paul’s life.

So while we may view our frustrations as something to flee from, God is using to show us where He wants us to go. He is using it to grow us and build us into what he wants us to be. He is using it to grow our faith and trust in Him. Considering this, we can begin to see every frustration in our life as an opportunity to see God’s grace in action and our life.

“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

This sermon from Pastor Steven Furtck from Elevation Church has made a huge impact on us. It’s our hope it will for you too!