Red Letters!
"But Paul, greatly annoyed."
Acts 16: 18
A couple of frustrated people sat at a diner for half-an-hour without
anyone coming to take their order. They finally left, but not before
taking a ketchup dispenser and writing these words across the
counter in “red” letters: WE WAITED 30 MIN. NO SERVICE.
Many things annoy us during any given day. Do you sometimes
have more trouble dealing with everyday irritations than with major
life events? We become worn down by life’s inconveniences, a flat
tire, a lost key, a fussy child—or a long wait at a restaurant.
How easily we become frustrated in our daily lives!
We must remember 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
