6. Learn to live with the frustration.
If you are going to be a disciple like Jesus, you’ll have to learn to live with the frustration that people aren’t always ready to receive what God has for them.
Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault.
Some people weren’t ready to hear what Jesus had to say either. That’s why he taught in parables, and even at times said, “I have more to say on this matter, but you aren’t ready to hear it.”
So don’t expect it to change or think you are doing something wrong because you are having to use restraint in what you teach. Just learn to live with it as you submit to the leading of the Spirit. Listen to the words of Jesus on the subject.
Matthew 7:6 (ESV) “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
Jesus says, people who aren’t ready to hear the whole truth will not only trample on what you say, they will turn on you and blame you for coming against them. So, Jesus says, keep the truth to yourself in these situations … they aren’t ready for it.
7. Think long-term.
Finally, think less like a hunter (who goes out to shoot his dinner for that night) and more like a farmer—who plants, waters, tills and waits … and waits … and waits … until it grows, so he can harvest it and prepare it for dinner.
Don’t expect change to occur overnight. Expect that change will take a long time to unfold … be patient … it will come if we don’t give up.
Gal. 6:7-9 (ESV) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
