Avoid Instant Gratification

Instant gratification becomes our desire at an early age.  An infant cries; a parent responds instantly.  The parent begins from the most obvious need (diaper change) and continues down the list until the child calms down.  A toddler demands to be held instead of walking; a parent quickly gathers the toddler up in their arms.  One day the child will be 'too cool' for this.  An elementary student begs to watch just one more cartoon before bed; a parent allows so as to not endure a tantrum.  A teenager slams the door in the parent's face because of a disagreement; a parent searches for words to make peace.

As we venture in this world on our own, we continue to seek comfort instantly.  Our flesh cannot be in distress at any time.  Our needs must be met at the snap of a finger.   

Where do we find instant comfort?

-If marriage becomes hard - do we look for greener grass on the other side?
-If sadness strikes due to tough circumstances - do we reach for the bottle to drown out emotions?
-If our best friend became our worst enemy - do we run to food for love?
-If someone else received the job - do we turn to poisons in this world to numb out of rejection?

Where SHOULD we search for comfort?

"Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope.  May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say."

(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

"Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 4:7)

God provides any and all comfort.  At all times call to Him.  Some discomfort must be endured to carry out His Plan for your life.  We must move past instant gratification and understand that patience must enter the equation to reach joyful solutions.  The trials faced daily allow our faith to be kept in check.  Use your faith to endure any discomfort so as to not fall victim to Satan's lies.  Satan wants you to search for worldly things to bring peace.  These things lead to sin, which leads to bondage.

Trust in God to bring compromise among your marriage.  Pray for peace to come when life hits you with many storms.  Be confident in Him, knowing He is all you need in this world to feel loved.  He will never leave nor forsake you; humans will!  God sees the big picture.  He holds the blueprint of your life.  Surrender to Him, allowing Him to implement His Plan for you (to prosper, not harm - see Jeremiah 29:11). 

God answers all prayers, but in His timing.  He does not say NO!  He responds gently with YES, NOT YET, or I HAVE SOMETHING BETTER!  Be patient.

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for all the plans for my life.  I surrender over my every step to You.  Grant me patience to endure any fleshly discomfort, for I know my faith grows as I rely on You to bring me through each situation.  Thank You for being so loving, kind and caring.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig