My 2008 New Years Resolution:

To obey God more in 2008 than I did in 2007.



God even knows the number of hairs on our heads
 Matthew 10:30

I want it NOW

My pastor recommended that I read this new book called "Don't eat the Marshmallow." The New York Times 'Book of the month.'

This book shined new light on a principle that I have much struggle with in my life, the principle of 'delayed gratification'.  A principle which also revolves around the idea of 'self-control'.

It is based on this:

'Between 1968 and 1974, researcher Walter Mischel conducted what would later become known as the famous Stanford marshmallow test. Mischel studied children between the ages of four and five. He left each child in a room with a marshmallow, telling them that he would return in 15-20 minutes; he explained that if they hadn’t eaten the marshmallow by the time he returned, he would reward them. Fourteen years later, Mischel followed up on the children: those who had not eaten the marshmallow were more self-motivated, educationally successful, and emotionally intelligent. Even their SAT scores were higher by an average of 220.  This study proved that the ability to wait for delayed gratification has as positive impact on where you end up in life.'

This past quarter, I have reached and grabbed for the marshmallow too many times when I should have just waited.  I could hear God speaking through my conscience, "Eugene, I want you to be patient, wait and trust me."  And I did have the intention of waiting, but not completely.  I did not make plans to wait.  I only said I'd wait, and that was it.  Then, there came times when my emotions would bring heavy influence on me and I would forget my deciding to wait, thinking I might have been wrong in that decision, which would lead me to make rash decisions such as an unnecessary purchase, or a saying something I should not have.  Oh if only I waited as God told me too.

Christianity entails delayed gratification.  In this generation we are too focused on the concept of 'please oneself now!' which only leads to regret and disappointment.  We need to break free from this, and trust in the Bible, the Word of God, to make our paths straight.  Guys, myself included, we need to stop trying to seek so much pleasure now, in all the aspects of our life.

Sometimes, in our impatience, we can try to circumvent God’s plan. We jump out ahead of His timing, because we don’t want to wait. We think we know better or we justify our reasons logically in our minds, but the results are never good.

All in God's timing.  People were mad at Jesus because he was late to heal Lazarus, then he came and Lazarus lived.  We need to trust God.  I need to trust God, for he works everything for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.