Frustration makes me want to quit. No matter the circumstance, whether a routine daily task or a calling from God, I lean toward the easy route. The Holy Spirit revealed this pattern of behavior following two incidents.
The first occurred as I waited to see my dermatologist. I arrived seven minutes early for my appointment but was called to the exam room an hour and fifteen minutes later. My patience waned as I thought about all I had planned to complete that afternoon before such sabotage. This would never happen again! I would find another dermatology clinic.
The second encounter with frustration was ongoing as I struggled to share a manuscript on Google docs with my writing critique group. When I joined, I was assured that those who were not familiar with Google docs would be given clear instructions by the leader. Wanting to fulfill my commitment, I fumbled through the comment process for several weeks. Then it was my turn to submit a manuscript for critique but I couldn’t master the technology. When a message I posted asking for help was not answered, I began contemplating how to graciously withdraw from the group.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes frustration as “a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs.”
Ah yes… I do become insecure in situations where I might look the fool. Unsure how to use Google docs made me vulnerable. And I tend to be dissatisfied with what I determine to be incompetency or injustice. After all, I exhibited respect for the dermatologist by arriving on time yet the clinic destroyed my schedule.
Although frustration is a characteristic I need to address, this time the Holy Spirit was alerting me to the wiles of the devil. God says perseverance is beneficial, so Satan says “quit.” According to Scripture, when we persevere our character is strengthened,1 we spiritually mature,2 righteousness increases,3 and we become more resilient.4
It seemed as if frustration would be a private struggle, only visible in the privacy of my study while working at my computer to master Google docs, (certainly not in the waiting room of the clinic). Yet my private displays of this behavior weren’t always so private because demonic forces are usually unseen. They see my displays of frustration and thus know my weakness. Who knows how they will use it. Perhaps to drive me out of a place of service, ruin a relationship, and even make me walk away from writing projects.
Most likely Satan knows all that frustrates me. It includes encroaching on time I have set aside for writing or meeting some project deadline, difficulty figuring out how to accomplish something, and being overwhelmed. I can expect demonic forces to whisper in my ear “quit.” But most likely, only at the times I shouldn’t walk away.
As I contemplated my desire to escape frustrating circumstances by fleeing, the Holy Spirit recalled a very old incident with a similar lesson. It was in the 1990s, when I first began teaching Sunday School. The time I spent with the children seemed to do no good. They were not learning, not changing and misbehavior seemed to be the norm rather than the exception. I discussed my struggle with other teachers who encouraged me to persevere. Those who had been teaching for a long time said children they thought would never give their lives to Christ were now walking with Him.
However, it is the words of my husband from that ancient struggle that match this recent situation. When I told him I no longer wanted to teach Sunday School he said, “Quit, just quit. Let Satan win!”
It seems the Holy Spirit isn’t teaching me anything new but rather offering me a reminder. When frustrating circumstances tempt me to quit, I will ask Him to reveal what I am leaving behind. An opportunity to become more Christlike? A chance to complete a good work? The perfect time to plant or reap for the expansion of God’s kingdom?
I think I have grasped hold of this message. Testing is sure to come to determine if I have learned it this time or not. And if I fail the test, I am certain the Holy Spirit will continue to teach me and of course remind me when needed.
©2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved
Let’s Talk:
1-When has the Holy Spirit kept you from succumbing to the wiles of Satanic forces?
2-Have you ever wanted to quit? What steps do you take before walking away from something that is difficult?
Resources:
1-Romans 5:3-4
2-James 1:4
3-Hebrews 12:11
4-James 1:2-3