Frustrating Circumstances

It is sometimes expressed and many times thought that if something is tough or dangerous or psychologically distressing, it cannot be God's will.  That is the theology of children.  The Bible is filled with examples of His people laboring without reward, success or encouragement of "a brighter day".  Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel come to mind!  Paul often stayed where he wasn't wanted but did not assume the Holy Spirit was taking him elsewhere.  David spent ten years wandering about without a home  and no clear indication that  he would ever get to where he hoped to be and yet he still was the Lord's anointed and the chosen future king of Israel.  The Lord brings us through many side trails and tough spots on our journey;  although it may seem like we are wandering aimlessly or off track, we may be precisely where God wants us.  God's greatest servants had a "vagabond" quality to them.  They often seemed to be out of sorts with what they thought was "God's plan" for them.  Joseph did nothing wrong ( even if he may have been a bit arrogant) to warrant his years in prison and in fact it was the rightness of his life that opened the door to imprisonment.  Would we tell Joseph that he was not aligned with God's plan for him and should find some other direction for his life when he was responding to the needs of the Baker and Cupbearer?  Did he "miss the boat" as he delivered meals to his fellow prisoners or was Joseph working within the full orchestration of God's will?  We grow weary of our labors, wondering if we have fallen out of line with God.  Because it is hard, our frustration builds and we start swinging our head from side to side frantically looking for some way out of our troubles.  Jesus said that we were to come to Him when we were weary and heavy laden and He would give us rest.  He might move us along or keep us right where we are but either way, it is Christ who is our rest and not the change of course.    To "trust in the Lord" is not for the fainthearted.  There are times when it seems far more rational to make up a new plan and step away from the hardships we face.   Year ninety-nine of Noah's ark building project may be similar to what you are facing today.  Be careful not to throw away all God is doing in and through you because you are frustrated by your lot in life.

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.   Romans 8: 20-21 NIV