VALGOOD

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

We live in a day and age of instant gratification. If we have a craving, we feel the need to instantly satisfy it. But, I’m starting to learn (and this one is tough for me!) that God asks us to wait – maybe not forever – but for Him and His perfect timing.

The other night, I was craving something sweet, and we happened to have Rice Krispy treats in our house. Having one sounded AMAZING! It was on my mind and I was having a severe hankering. My husband suggested that we wait to eat the treat until the boys went to bed, for they had already brushed their teeth and just needed tucking in. He put the treat next to my night stand, and we went in with our boys to read them their stories, say prayers, refill their waters (and all that goes into our long goodnight process). When my husband suggested we wait, I was appalled at the idea at first. I wanted one NOW! But, I knew he was right, so I figured it couldn’t hurt to wait a little bit. But, I was genuinely amazed that I didn’t even want it when we finally got back to our room. In fact, it was laying on my night stand the next morning when I woke up because I didn’t eat it.

I’m seeing this pattern over and over again. I think I have to have something right now – a severe craving has a hold on me. But, if I tell myself to wait an hour, the strong urgency passes and I can think more rationally about it. Zig Ziglar notes “The chief cause of failure and unhappiness is trading what you want most for what you want right now.” Can anyone else relate to this? I strongly desire to be thin, and yet I’ve traded that goal time and time again for tempting food. This can be true even of our finances and other areas of life – can we be disciplined for God’s glory?

The pastor of our former church had emailed me a video that he was going to show the youth group (since my hubby & I used to serve in this ministry) and I thought it was cute but also a good way to drive home the point.

Can we wait for what God has for us? Knowing our loving Savior, what He has planned for us will be better than what our flesh instantly desires if we can “be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord!” Ephesians 2:3 reminds us that before we were saved, we “gratif[ied] the cravings of our sinful nature” but by God’s grace and Christ’s death & resurrection, this is no longer the way we are to walk.

So, this is my challenge for this week (and trust me when I say that I’m challenging myself as much as any of my readers). When we crave something that we know doesn’t fit with the healthier lifestyle we’re trying to obtain, can we simply wait? We know we won’t say no to certain foods forever, but can we say “I’m going to pass this time” or “I’m going to wait an hour or two and see if I still really desire it.” Give the Lord time to impress upon you His will and see if we can hold out for the long-term satisfaction rather than the short-term gratification.

If you’re in, share a comment! Let’s hold each other accountable and up in prayer!

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your righteousness. We thank You for the gift of salvation. At one time, we all lived like everyone else – gratifying the desires of our sinful nature. Now that we are alive with Christ, will you help us live out the walk of faith? Will you help us be strong? Will you help us take heart? Will you help us wait on you? When those strong cravings come, will you remind us, Holy Spirit, that You have something better for us if we can just hang tight and wait for it? Thank You for being for us! Thank You that You have won the victory! Thank You for calling us as Your children! Help us glorify You in all we say and do. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!