God uses frustration to shape a vision

I relate to Jacob more than any other person in the Bible... even though I like Joshua better [hey, what can you do?]. One instance occurs in Genesis 31:2:

"And Jacob noticed that Laban's attitude toward him was not what it had been."

I have never experienced great revelations from God that moved me toward his purposes, including History Church! Rather... God's direction has mostly come from the souring of an experience that caused me to move on. However, wherever God allowed frustration, he always provided a means to fulfill his purposes. Here are some examples...

In a former church staff role, my heart was so heavy for reaching unchurched people that I could barely open my lips during worship. History exists today because of this burden.

History Church moved out of a movie theater because the managers kept forgetting to show up... and I saw mice while preaching on Sundays! We meet in an incredible location today.

We were moved by frustration to hire a full-time worship pastor because our "hired guns" never worked out.

And... God's provision of a new house follows this same pattern. In the last two months, we've had infestations of squirrels, bees, mice, mold, you name it...

God is such a good God, and he is completely sovereign! I believe that God uses frustration to shape a vision! Frustration is the fuel we need to go after his plans with our whole heart!

Comments

[Brian Daugherty]

Ben, I was encouraged by reading your post. We all get frustrated at circumstances in our lives, and it's a great opportunity to see if its because we're the problem, or if the Lord is preparing us for the new direction He is taking us in (or to stay where we are). Of course we need to go after God's plans. I'm sure you're doing just fine letting the Holy Spirit guide your steps instead of trying to please everyone with an opinion.

[Ben]

Thanks Brian... I don't permit anonymous comments, positive or critical, so I deleted the first response.