“Distracted”

1 Corinthians 10:13

Distracted is defined as something that takes our attention away from what we’re supposed to be doing; troubled; absent-minded; disturbed; preoccupied. 

Distraction interferes with our concentration and focus. Distractions can be dangerous. We must always be on guard. The devil loves it when we are distracted. It makes his work easier. In 1 Peter 5:8 it says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” We are not all distracted by the same things. Samson was distracted by a relationship with a Philistine woman. Demas was distracted by the culture around him. Martha was distracted by household tasks. Nehemiah addressed and resisted insurmountable distractions while seeking to fulfill the mission and plan of God. Nehemiah, a visionary leader and man of God, left his life of service in Persia to return to his homeland and provide leadership for the rebuilding of a wall around Jerusalem, a wall destroyed more than a century earlier. The wall was almost complete except for the placement of doors within the gates, nearing the finish line, but not quite there. Nehemiah’s enemies sent an invitation, a distraction, to Nehemiah: “Come and let us meet together at the plain of Ono.” The plain of Ono, about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem, was not a far distance, but far enough from the project for Nehemiah’s enemies to take advantage. Nehemiah said, I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you? 

I come by this evening to let you know distractions will come, but if we are alert to them we can minimize their impact. Father God let our focus be on You and You alone. Convict us of any sin that has taken our eyes from You. Help us to commit our problems, worries, and fears to You that may bask in Your presence without distraction. Amen!!! Be bless and I love you!!! JE