But Paul, greatly annoyed.
Acts 16:18
A couple of frustrated people sat at a counter of a diner for half-an-hour without anyone coming to take their order. They finally got up and left, but not before taking the ketchup dispenser and writing these words across the counter in “red” letters: WE WAITED 30 MIN. NO SERVICE.
A lot of things can annoy us during any given day. Do you sometimes have more trouble dealing with everyday irritations than with major life events? Like sand in an oyster or grit in a rock tumbler, we become worn down by life’s inconveniences—a flat tire, a lost key, a fussy child, a nagging neighbor, a broken pencil lead, a delayed flight—or a long wait at a restaurant.
How easily we become frustrated in our daily lives! We need to remember that while frustration is temporary, God’s calming presence is always available. It’s the sand in the oyster that makes the pearl, and it’s the grit in the tumbler that polishes the rock. Paul’s annoyance led to the deliverance of a demon-possessed girl.
It’s one of life’s great lessons—great maturity is handling small irritations with sanctified patience. Consider these red letters from Luke 21:19: “By your patience possess your souls.”
Problems patiently endured will work for our spiritual perfecting.
A. W. Tozer
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