The Three F’s of 2020: Frustration, Fear, and Faith

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Hebrews 11

 

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(ESV)

 

With the computer issues in the rear-view mirror, I hope to be back on track with the regular Wednesday and Saturday postings to this blog.  As 2020 ends, we hope for a better year in 2021.  While it is great to have hope each new year, one lesson we should take from 2020 is the uncertainty of the future and the need to have faith in the unseen God who sent his Son to save us.  This has been a year of frustration, and fear requiring faith to get us through.

 

As 2021 approaches we must remember lessons from the three F’s of 2020, frustration, fear, and faith. 

1)      Frustration (Deuteronomy 28:20) – Deuteronomy 28:20 lists frustration as one of the consequences of disobedience.  This indicates that feelings of frustration in one’s life may be the result of disobedience.  Since it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), we could consider a lack of faith as disobedience for it is unpleasing to God.  Lack of faith is unpleasing to God because it indicates a lack of trust in God to care for us and to get things right.  Left unchecked, frustration can lead to anger as happened in the life of Moses with him striking the rock in anger brought on by frustration at the continued disobedience of the children of Israel (Numbers 20:2-13).  Everyone must guard against frustrations in life escalating into anger and instead take our frustrations to God. 

2)      Fear (2 Timothy 1:7) - Fear is not from God and serves as a barrier to intimacy with God.  When feeling frustrated we must take it to the Lord and not take it back out of fear.  1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our cares on the Lord because He cares for and loves us.  The Lord’s plans for us are also for our benefit and not our harm (Jeremiah 29:11).  If the Lord loves me and if His plans for me are for my good, why would I allow fear to come between me and God. 

3)      Faith (Hebrews 11:1) - Frustration and fear come from an uncertainty of the unknown.  Therefore, the only way to battle fear and frustration is through faith in God who knows about the unknowns in our lives, and because he loves us, He will cause the things bringing fear and frustration in our lives to work for our good (Romans 8:28). 

 

If you are reading this and have never made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your savior, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage those that just prayed to regularly attend Church services, even if it is online, to equip you with knowledge of the Bible as you face the fears and frustrations of life.  You should also find a small group meeting safely to either watch church services online or studying the Bible for encouragement.  I also encourage you to share this post with other fearful and frustrated people you may know so they can overcome their frustration and fears through faith in God. 

 

The year 2020 has been a year full of frustrations and fear.  We have frustrations at not being able to go to a restaurant to eat, attend a sporting event in person, or gather together at church.  Fear of Covid19 has led to a mask becoming part of our routine when leaving the house along with our phone, wallet/purse, and keys.  While we must remain concerned about contracting and passing on Covid19, we must not allow fear to prevent us from living our lives or even going to a doctor when we feel sick as some have done.  We can battle frustration and fear through faith in God who loves us and has our best interests at heart (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 5:7).    May God bless everyone reading this post and grant everyone the faith to overcome any frustrations and fears entering our lives in 2021.