The Value of WaitingSample

Delayed Gratification

Our world is obsessed with instant gratification. We want to be satisfied NOW! We don’t want to wait for the kettle to boil or our coffee to brew. If it can’t happen the instant we want it, we’ll move along to something that promises to satisfy us quicker.

Studies have shown that pursuing delayed gratification is a personality trait of the world’s most successful people. Why? Because perseverance is a crucial component to learn and success. We grow by reaping the benefits of the struggle rather than by ignoring or avoiding it. Seeking something big, pursuing something more significant than our limited scope. It takes time and patience. It takes hope.

Our generation might pay particular attention to the Bible’s story of Esau. Esau wanted to eat at once and did not worry about inheriting the mantle of leading the family later. He was impoverished as a result. The Bible calls Esau “profane.” He considered the opportunity that God had given him as something of little value. Similarly, God grants us each day a chance to plant the seeds of doing good, trust Him to grow, and cultivate the crop while we patiently await the blessing of the harvest.

The deepest joys we can experience are those for which we patiently wait.

Faith in God’s promises is an exercise in delayed gratification that provides a beautiful opportunity. Faith gives us a valuable perspective. Faith is a lovely thing that distinguishes the Kingdom of God on this planet from the eternity to come. 

Today, practice delayed gratification with your choices.