The Source of Frustration

After this presentation to Israel's leaders, Moses and Aaron went and
spoke to Pharaoh. They told him,"[t]his is what the Lord, the God of
Israel, says: Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the
wilderness." "Is that so?" retorted Pharaoh. "And, who is the Lord?
Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don't know the Lord, and I
will not let Israel go." (Exodus 5:1-2 NLT).

The Israelites had been slaves to the Egyptians, but now was the time that God would show His glory and in that--bring the Israelites into the land that He had promised their forefathers. But, immediately, Pharaoh would flex his perceived muscle by punishing the Israelites for what Moses and Aaron had asked. Previously, Pharaoh had provided straw to the Israelites, which they added to the items used to make bricks. Making bricks was a major task Pharaoh had assigned to them. Now, they had to find their own straw and continue to make the same number of bricks each day.
This was a curve ball the Israelites did not expect. Like their
days were not already hard enough--now, they were made to do the same workload
plus more. If they did not meet their daily quota, they were subject
to beatings. Soon, even Moses became upset with God. Then Moses
went back to the Lord and protested. "Why have you brought all this
trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I
came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your
people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!" (Exodus 5: 22-23
NLT).

Things were not happening as Moses expected. He expected
faster results and fewer problems. I think I can relate to
that. When things do not go as we expect, how quick do we get
frustrated! The major source of frustration is unmet expectations.

In the life of the Israelites and in ours today, God uses challenges
(aka unmet expectations) to develop our patience, character, and faith. In
these situations, I encourage you to:

(1) Trust God to do what is best for you;
(2) Look for ways to honor God in the present situation;
(3) Remember that God will not leave you or forsake you; and
(4) That God has a plan for you.

Doing this, I feel we will see God in our challenges. With
that, He offers us a peace, His peace in those challenges. Enjoy
Him! He loves you and is drawing you closer to Him.