Achieving Success
by Delaying Gratification
November 4, 2002
We're taught to travel fast and light. On the
freeway we drive in the fast lane. If we want something we're
told to, "Go for it!" Or, "Just do it!"
Immediate gratification is a driving force in our
lives. We expect pain to go away fast. We expect immediate
success. Our expectations are in keeping with what we see on
TV--men get sex whenever they want it, relational conflicts are
resolved in an hour, and other men have the trappings of success
without the hassles.
And how do we respond when we hit a delay in the
traffic, a snag in our marriage, or a detour on our career path?
Most of us become irritable and impatient. Our head pounds with
a tension headache and we toss and turn on our bed.
While we may seek immediate gratification, life
teaches us that most successful men don't achieve success
overnight. They encountered and overcame hardship. They delayed
immediate gratification so they could experience success in the
future.
So how can we become men who delay immediate
pleasure for future rewards?
First, we remember that God uses all the elements
of our lives (positive and negative) to accomplish something
good. Paul declared this when he said, "And we know that in all
things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans
8:28). This means that while our plans may be put on hold, God's
aren't.
Second, we remember to wait for God's
provision--"And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). This doesn't mean
we do nothing while we wait. God doesn't expect us to stare at a
flat tire and wait for him to place a tire tool in our hands.
But if we don't find a tire tool in the trunk of our car we
don't need to throw a temper tantrum. God's provision may appear
in the form of a passing motorist or a call to AAA.
The Bible is filled with stories of men who
achieved great success after years of hardship. Joseph endured
prison. Moses lived in the wilderness. Job suffered greatly
before experiencing God's goodness. Each man delayed immediate
gratification and waited for God's provision.
This week when you hit a work or relational
traffic jam--look to God. Thank him that he can use even the
setbacks of your life to accomplish good. The next time the sky
is clear, go outside at night and look up. Without a black sky
you'd never see the North Star. By God's grace--if enough of us
do this we'll see revival come, one man, one day at a time.
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