Waiting

“Back in the 1970s, a group of researchers at Stanford University set up a famous experiment with young children. It’s known as the Marshmallow Test. Here’s how it worked: A child was placed in a room with a marshmallow on the table. The adult told the child, “You can eat this marshmallow now. But if you wait 15 minutes, I’ll give you two.” Then they left the room. What followed was a lesson in human nature. Some kids stared at the marshmallow. Some poked it. A few even licked it. Others sang, danced, or covered their eyes — anything to distract themselves from the temptation. Some gave in. But others waited. And those who waited? They didn’t just get the second marshmallow — they were tracked for years after. The researchers found that kids who were able to wait tended to do better in school, manage stress more effectively, and even had healthier relationships.”*

It’s hard to wait, isn’t it? And our modern world doesn’t make it any easier. We have instant potatoes, instant coffee, and instant communication. Not only are we told we can have it all but that we can have it all right now. According to most advertisers, waiting is for losers. After all, you know what they say -- “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32).

Of course, there are some things you should take care of right away. If you are not a child of God through faith in Christ, then don’t put that off. But often, the Scriptures encourage us to wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14). We wait for God to take vengeance instead of taking our own (Romans 12:19). We wait for God to fulfill some of His promises (Hebrews 6:11-15). We wait for God to right all the wrongs in the world (Psalm 37:7,9).

Yes, waiting for the Lord can be hard but it has rewards. “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25).

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.newstartdiscipleship.com/post/34-sermon-illustrations-on-hope