And saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. – Luke 5:2
REFERENCE
Luke 5:1-10
Yesterday we started a series on “Frustration,” which the dictionary defined as, “The feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something.” Frustration occurs in everyday life because of the various events we encounter as we live. If it continues for a long time, it can become a burden. However, as believers, we are not supposed to labor under any kind of yoke or burden (His yoke is easy and His burden is light), therefore, we must think of biblical ways to handle and overcome frustration.
Today’s reference is a typical example of a frustrating situation. Peter toiled all night but couldn’t catch any fish. He tried all he knew but there was no progress, so he was stagnated. All his efforts were wasted because of his repeated failures. Frustration must have set in, as he was seen washing his nets; not picking fish from them, but debris. NO fish in his ‘NET’ meant NO income, and NO income meant he wouldn’t be able to feed his family, sponsor his children’s learning or take care of their bills. When Jesus came on the scene, Peter had already given up trying and given up on himself. He must have felt it was useless to make further attempts. However, when Jesus asked him for his boat, he obliged without complaining; and that was how his breakthrough started.
Are you a business person? Like Peter, have you done all you know to do and you are still struggling to make a head in your business? Do you presently have an EMPTY NET situation in your business, marriage, finances, relationships, health, etc., and you feel frustrated? The temptation in times like this is to get cranky and to withhold what you have, refusing to give, share or help another person.
Learn from this story: To break free from the burden of frustration, you have to start by giving of your time, energy, and resources to others. If you are frustrated because you are lonely, try reaching out with love by visiting and spending time with other lonely people. Perhaps, you are frustrated because you are jobless, can you give out your time and energy by volunteering to a good cause, e.g. teach extramural classes for free to children whose parents can’t afford lesson teachers? You can also step out in faith by sowing financial seeds towards your needs.
Frustration sets in as a result of your inability to achieve things; try achieving little things with your good deeds in other people’s lives and see the difference that will make to your situation…
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 3:27 & Matthew 7:12
PRAYER POINTS
+ Pray and command every standing or stagnated part of your life which is causing you frustration, to begin to sail and make progress.
+ Ask God to present you with an opportunity to ‘sow’ of your time, love, treasure, talent, visit, etc., to be a blessing to someone and to provoke God to step into your matter.
