Managing Frustrations on the journey
Key verses: Luke 9: 37-56
Key thought: Frustration is a reality to life and relationships, attainment of desired goals can be derailed or delayed when we mishandle and fail to manage frustrations along the way
In discipleship and every other relationship, frustration can creep in when it appears things are not falling in line.
Jesus appointed the twelve to himself were imperfect and they ended up in frustrating situations that could have impacted their work, but Jesus demonstrated a focused awareness of the situation and ability to address this.
He spent a lot of time with them but time and again they would disappoint him by their conduct and attitudes
Five frustrating areas from the text to watch out
- Falling short of expectations
- Unmet or unfulfilled expectations can frustrate both leaders and followers.
- For the disciples it was due to faithlessness - just as Jesus described it - Luke 9:41
- How do we manage the frustration of falling short of expectations?
- We must have a teachable spirit, as leaders we must continue to lead by example
- Be resilient, do not give up!
- Misunderstanding the mission
- One of the biggest threats to any organization and relationship is when the mission is misunderstood.
- The spiritual insight of the disciples at this time could not allow them comprehend what Jesus was telling them - Luke 9:45
- How can we manage the frustration of the mission being misunderstood?
- Discipleship involves a lot of patience, capturing the mission can take time.
- When misunderstood, continue communicating so that our vision or purpose becomes clear to our followers
- Demonstrate focus Luke 9: 52
- Untamed ambitions
- The disciples were arguing on who is the greatest, yet this is the same team that failed to cast a demon out.
- For the discipleship their understanding of greatness was linked to their political landscape. Luke 9:46
- How do we manage untamed ambitions?
- Use correct teaching- truth must be at the centre
- Teaching is at the centre of discipleship or any mentoring relationship.
- Walk in Humility - Jesus used a child to illustrate humility Luke 9:48
- Unchecked desire for control
- They tried to stop someone who was driving out demons in the name of Jesus
- These are the same people that failed to cast out a demon, now they want to stop those that able to.
- How do we manage our appetite for control?
- We must be grateful for what God has called us to and the grace apportioned thereof
- We must appreciate that the kingdom of God is bigger than our small team, cell or church
- Do not be restrained by people's opinions, serve God!
- Excessive use of power
- They were willing to call fire for heaven on the people who rejected them
- Our response to rejection therefore needs to be controlled, because we might end up sending fire on everyone Luke 9:54
- Not everyone deserves our judgement, some need our mercy and prayers
- How do we manage the temptation to use power wrongly?
- Power should be used in moderation - that's where the quality of meekness comes in
- Humility is indispensable in the exercise of power
- Use discernment to create healthy boundaries for the exercise of power
Conclusion
The material we are made of cannot be broken by the pressure of frustration
Discipleship or even ministry can become painful journey if we do not learn to overcome frustrating situations
Do not get frustrated by your frustrations, you must frustrate your frustrations!