Little Thoughts, November 19, 2025

By Pastor Sammy Little, First Baptist Church of Stowell

  There are many frustrating things in this world. Friday I had to deal with calling a company that put me on hold, trying to understand there “simple” procedure to fix a problem, and setting up an account with a secure password I will never remember. I dislike such tasks and I am certain the person helping me could tell that. I am preaching on Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged for I am with you.” How does my frustration with life, others, and even God fit in with that? It doesn’t. I know frustration is common and part of being human, but it doesn’t fit in with having a great God. The Israelites grumbled, rebelled, and disobeyed, and it caused them much grief, and there was no reason for their sin. James 1:20 tells us “The anger of men does not produce the righteousness of God”, so let us be strong and courageous and stop allowing ourselves to get angry, frustrated, and thus defeated. We cut ourselves off from God who is right with us. Believe and be victorious like Joshua.