Instant Gratification

Instant:
      1. immediately; without delay.
      2. immediate; instantaneous.
Gratificaton:
     1.  pleasure, relish, delight, enjoyment, comfort.

About 2 weeks ago I was praying to God about a certain situation that I have been wrestling with for quite some time. One thing that I've found myself saying is "God, why can't this be over already? Why can't I just be done with this? I'm so tired of dealing with this," etc. Then it hit me: I was asking for instant gratification. I wanted immediate results instead of waiting patience. In essence, it's like saying "God, I know You're in control, but right now I think that my plan is better. I think I know what I'm doing." How arrogant is that? Isaiah 40:31 flashed through my mind..."But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Why do I want to rush things when I know that God has a far better plan than I ever will have? Romans 8:24-25 says, "We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)"  And Psalm 40:1, "I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry."

In a society where we strive for instant gratification, God is calling us to do the opposite. He has a far better plan than we can ever imagine, and He has a purpose for every single thing that He does. Our trials and sufferings are not in vain. God disciplines those that He loves. He makes beautiful things out of our wretched souls. Instead of focusing on how fast we can be done with a process that may seem rather painful, I think we need to focus on things like "God, what are you trying to teach me through this?" or "God, how can Your Name be most glorified in this situation?" Hebrews 12:11 "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." He's the potter, we're the clay. We're merely characters in His story. It's not about us-it never has been and it never will be.

While I'm Waiting-John Waller. Good song, look it up.