How to Live Without Frustration
We all go through times of frustration in our lives. Frustration happens when we're trying to do something in our own strength – something that only God can do through His grace in us. My personal definition of grace is "God's power made available to us free of charge, enabling us to do with ease what we could never do on our own with any amount of struggle or effort." The truth is, our human effort can never bring the changes that God's amazing grace can bring.
The word "grace" has become so common in church or other religious settings that we sometimes forget its value in our life. God's grace really is amazing, and once you have a revelation of His grace in your life, you'll know just how amazing it is. It is the power we need to live an abundant life. And His grace can do more in us in five minutes than we could do in twenty-five years of living.
In fact, we are saved by the grace of God through our faith in Him. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God." God's grace is a gift and all we have to do is receive it. It's not something we can ever earn or deserve or take credit for it.
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Living in God's Grace
Salvation is given to us freely, by God's grace, and the same way we receive Christ's salvation, is the same way we have to live – by grace. God's grace not only saves us, it also gives us everything we need to live a joy-filled life. Colossians 2:6 says, "As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him."
I remember how frustrated and miserable I used to be before I learned how to receive God's grace. I loved God and really wanted to please Him, but I was always trying to do what I thought was right in my own strength. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make things happen by my own effort.
For example, when I first started this ministry, I thought I had to make everyone like me and the pressure was more than I could stand! I would get discouraged when it seemed like someone was giving me a funny look or left during my teaching because I would think they didn't like what I was saying. One day I finally said, "God, it is not my responsibility to make people like me; it is my responsibility to do what You are telling me to do."
The pressure I had put on myself to please people was released when I got this revelation: God is not just with us but in us and He will do through us what needs to be done when we stop trying to do it ourselves and let Him work.
Stay Plugged In
Experiencing the grace of God comes as we learn how to stay plugged in to our Power Source. Plugging in means we need to keep feeding ourselves with God's Word and stay connected to Him through prayer. If we can learn how to receive the grace of God, and let Him do things through us, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
When you feel like you are losing your charge, don't let anything keep you from plugging in. Just take a moment and pray, asking God for His strength. It's also vitally important to remember to keep your focus on God's Word and His many promises to provide everything we need, when we need it.
If you're frustrated and struggling, I want to encourage you to stop trying to succeed in your own effort and start asking God for His grace. He knows what you need and what needs to change in your life. We can never ask for too much grace, and God's grace has no limit. It won't run out. God loves you and He wants to help you. He always knows exactly what you need, and He wants you to enjoy your life while you are in the process of becoming all He created you to be.
