“Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant.”
Daniel 2:16 (NLT) When you’re asked to do something that’s impossible, you start by refusing to panic and by getting all the facts. Then, you ask for more time. Why? Because your biggest temptation in the midst of crisis is to be impulsive. You’re typically not thinking rationally. You’re thinking emotionally. You want to make a quick decision. But it’s more important to make the right decision than a fast decision. A wrong decision is wrong, no matter how quickly you make it. So step back, take a deep breath, calm down, and talk to God. Daniel did this when the king asked him to interpret a dream (after the king ordered the killing of the first few people who tried): “Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant” (Daniel 2:16 NLT). He gives us a great model for dealing with a high-pressure situation by asking for more time and then talking to God about it. You’re more likely to make a better decision when you don’t rush to make a quick one. Take your time.
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“When a fool is annoyed, he quickly lets it be known. Smart people will ignore an insult” (Proverbs 12:16 GNT).
You will encounter people who create so much frustration that you ask God, “Please help me show them extra grace.” Who are these people in your life?
Many people have developed unhealthy responses to frustration. They might avoid difficult people, but denial only delays the problem. It doesn’t solve it. They might try to make them happy, but some people will never be happy. No matter what they do, it’s not good enough. How can you respond like Jesus? Consider the fact that God has put these people in your life to be “heavenly sandpaper.” Although you are irritated, God is using them to take off your rough edges. God is more interested in your character than your comfort. Learn to look past their behavior to see their pain. Hurt people will often hurt others. They’re full of fear and insecurity. Maybe they’re shouldering a pressure you don’t know about. Instead of dismissing these frustrating people from your life, look at them as a gift from God to help you become more like Christ. Frustration reveals something in you, and you can give this to God by having a change of heart.
Frustration also gives you the opportunity to show grace to others. One of the reasons God has forgiven you is so that you can reflect this forgiveness to others. That can’t happen if you don’t get frustrated! |
AuthorTaken from Daily Hope by Rick Warren. Categories
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