Hassles: Finding God's Grace in Life's Inconveniences

Those annoying, stress-creating inconveniences that disrupt our plans and unsettle our equilibrium are an inevitable part of life in a sin-blighted world and broken society. While some can be prevented by forethought, planning, or experience, all hassles present a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and the outworking of God's grace in our lives.

Understanding the Nature of Hassles

Trials allow us to experience the love of God because He has permitted these challenges in love and is working for our benefit. We know He loves and desires the best for us in theory, but in the heat of the battle, we must work this out in our experience through our attitudes, words and reactions. These unplanned and unexpected irritations, with their unsettling influence, generally infiltrate our whole personality and throw us 'off-balance' until we regain our composure and take control of the situation.

Satan sees when we are under pressure and most vulnerable to temptation, with the greatest likelihood of making unwise choices. Hassles always seem to come at the most inappropriate time, and as they interrupt our plans, our self is not ministered to, robbing us of peace.

Rather than explaining your problems to others and thinking about what is against you, focus on who is for you, being confident that He is greater than what is against you (Rom 8:31; 1 Jn 4:4). Remember, Jesus is walking with you through this (Heb 13:5). In humility, call unto Him for His help, 'I can't do this alone'.

Having a positive, overcoming attitude helps – one that doesn't resign to a 'poor me' mindset. The story is told of a donkey that fell into a dry well. The farmer couldn't get the donkey out, so he thought he would put the donkey out of its misery by burying it with dirt. Shovel after shovel full of dirt was thrown into the well. The donkey shrugged the annoying dirt off its back and stomped on it. Eventually, the level rose sufficiently, enabling the donkey to walk out of its predicament. The moral: don't allow yourself to be buried, but rise victorious because of the irritations of life.

Paul had his share of life challenges, being "hard-pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed" (2 Cor 4:8). Despite facing numerous hardships, he maintained his faith and perspective, understanding that momentary troubles were achieving for him an eternal glory that far outweighed them all (2 Cor 4:17).

When hassled, do I turn to or away from God?

Spiritual Growth Through Trials

We must recognize that the hassles we encounter are designed to bring us closer to the Lord, grow us and prepare us for what else might come in our future. These challenges are an opportunity for us to display the fruit of the Spirit and develop Godly character with resilient perseverance (Rom 5:3-5; Gal 5:22-23).

Have a confident belief that it is all working together for your ultimate good, which may only be revealed in eternity (Rom 8:28; Phil 1:16). "Blessed is the person who perseveres under trial" (Jas 1:12). This perseverance is not passive endurance but active faith that trusts God's character and purposes even when circumstances seem contrary to His promises.

As believers, we should actively pursue spiritual maturity, a deep reverence for God and demonstrate our salvation through obedience, without complaining or arguing, and be blameless and pure, shining as lights in a dark world. God works within us to fulfil His good purpose, giving us the desire and the ability to act according to His will, making our outward behaviour a reflection of His work (Phil 2:12-15).

Am I growing through my challenges or just enduring them?

A Kingdom Perspective

Non-believers have hassles too, which should drive them to discover Jesus, the meaning of life. The difference for Christians is not the absence of difficulties but the presence of One who has overcome the world (Jn 16:33). Our trials become testimonies of God's sustaining grace and can point others to the hope we have in Christ.

When we respond to hassles with grace, patience, and faith, we demonstrate the reality of the Gospel to those watching. Our reactions in stressful situations can be a powerful witness that draws others to inquire about the source of our peace and strength. In this way, even our irritations can be redeemed for God's kingdom purposes.

Eternal perspective helps us view present troubles as light and momentary compared to the eternal glory being prepared for us (2 Cor 4:17). This doesn't minimize the pain or difficulty of our current circumstances but provides proper context for understanding their place in God's sovereign plan.

Do my responses to hassles reflect God's grace to others?

Reflection and Application:

  • Identify a recent hassle and examine your initial response – did it reflect faith or frustration?
  • Consider how a specific trial has drawn you closer to God or revealed areas needing growth.
  • Practice responding to minor irritations with gratitude for God's presence and purpose.
  • Share with someone how God has used a difficult situation to develop your character.

See also: attitudes, challenges, character, fruit (of the Spirit), not being ministered to, peace, pressure, problems, reaction, self-control, stress, temptation, test/testing, trials.


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