In our lives at Smith Mountain Lake, many of us feel blessed beyond description. But of course, frustrating things happen to us all from time to time. In fact frustrations may actually be part of the way we receive some of our greatest blessings.

I hear you thinking someone at SML News has lost their marbles. If you consider James 1:2-4 perhaps you will see what I mean. It says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Perseverance, maturity, completion and lacking NOTHING? I would say those gifts would indeed be huge blessings! The next time something frustrating happens in your life, try not to immediately become upset. Instead, try to see your problem in terms of the bigger picture.

If you can’t find where you left the car keys, don’t let that steal your peace or your patience. Being stuck in a traffic jam, doesn’t have to ruin your joy. We get upset and uptight about ten minute delays, when ten minutes is nothing compared to becoming a person God would want to be with for eternity!

Even big and terribly painful frustrations can develop in us a strong faith, maturity and perseverance that will benefit us each day for the rest of our lives – if we seek God’s direction in the moment. If we let Him, God will work through our temporary trials and difficulties, both large and small, to produce good fruit that can last forever.