A few years ago I read about a simple test administered to
children that was fairly accurate in predicting how successful they would be
later in their lives. A single piece of candy was placed in front
of them on a table and they were told if they did not eat it they would get a
reward. If they did, there would be no further reward. The child was then left
alone in the room. Some were able to resist the temptation of the single
piece of candy and received a whole bag. Many waited a few moments, and chose
to eat the single piece! Those who were able to overcome the urge for short-term
satisfaction were generally better students. Why? Because they could anticipate
the reward that would come from their sustained effort!
Do you have God’s promises in sight, guiding today’s
decisions? Are you patient, waiting for the reward He promises to those
who are faithful?
I remarked to my wife recently, that being a pastor was a
lot like being a farmer. I plant the Seed of the Word, then wait for the Spirit
to use it to bring about life transformation. I’m not always as patient
as I should be. I’d like to see overnight successes for those who are
fighting their way back from brokenness, quick fixes for those who are
wrestling with hard situations, and healing miracles in the moment! But,
that’s not generally God’s way. He changes us, deepens us, develops
understanding with a process we just call ‘life.’ How many times
have you acknowledged the mysteries of the day by saying, “that’s life!”
But, in God’s design, life is not random thing. As we trust Him, work
with Him, and live in faith – He uses it all to produce something
amazing. But, it’s a long process. A dandelion will grow and flower in a
few days. An oak tree grows into a thing of beauty over decades. We take
encouragement from the words in Isaiah that remind us that God is growing us
into oak trees, not dandelions. Jesus Christ came to "to proclaim
the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort
all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a
crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and
a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks
of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
(Isaiah 61:2-3, NIV)
I want to grow as a towering oak; strong, enduring, my life
a thing of beauty that causes other to say, “What a great God he serves!”
How about you? Will you make the choice to wait, to trust, to let God
grow you? Or will you choose the way of the dandelion?
Here’s a word from the Word. Lord, use it to encourage
us to wait for Your purpose. "Be patient, then, brothers, until the
Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop
and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and
stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near." (James 5:7-8, NIV)
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