DISTRACTIONS

[xotrevor]

If we put our faith and trust in God and rely on Him wholeheartedly the enemy can’t destroy us, but he will certainly try to distract and deceive us. We know his goal is simple, he comes to steal, kill and destroy. You see, our adversary is predictable and uses the same old tricks time and time again. It is up to us to stay alert so that we won't fall prey to the schemes of the enemy.

The enemy distracts us with our thoughts, our words and with our actions. We must understand that when the enemy speaks it’s always a lie, it's always meant to deceive us. There is no truth in him as he is the father of lies (John 8:44). You can discern his voice because it plants seeds of negativity, fear, doubt, and rejection. He’ll use anything he can - past wounds, idols in your life, social media, good god-given desires (such as the desire to be married), and even your family and friends.

This is why it's very important to eliminate all and any distractions that are hindering us from obeying God and His will. Distractions are what the enemy uses to cause roadblocks that come to us in ways that we least expect it. Distractions often look good, they are attractive, appealing and enticing, and they draw us in without realizing even the damage as the end result. As humans, we often allow ourselves to get caught up in distractions that take our focus off God and cause us to go off the path that He has us walking down. If something or someone is pulling you away from the work God has you doing and if someone is causing you to do things that are not pleasing to God and not bringing Him honor and glory than this is the foundation of what is considered a distraction. Of course, we all have a choice to allow distractions to take our focus away from God and pull us away from the work God is doing in us and through us. But anything or anyone that influences, impacts, or affects our thoughts, words, or actions in a way that is not pleasing to God is a straight up distraction from the enemy.

Distractions are designed to get you off course (i.e. God’s will). The enemy wants you so preoccupied with your difficulties, your situation and your circumstances that you take your eyes off of God completely. Focusing too much on these things will make it seem like they are bigger than God, but they're not. God is greater and more powerful than any force we could ever come up against. If we fall for the distractions then we will become ineffective in our faith. We all have a unique purpose according to God and His will, but the enemy doesn’t want us to live it out. He’ll use social media, the internet, and other means to corrupt our thoughts to get us focused on things that are not of God. Our adversary will send "friends" into our lives who are fun to be around but discourage us from walking in obedience. We must also realize that not all distractions are intended to cause negativity or trouble or to pull us away from God's purpose as some may look like answered prayers. This is why it’s so extremely crucial to use discernment.

Don't be defined by the distractions and the disruptions in your life today no matter if it is people, circumstances, situations or difficulties. Rise up, stand firm, be bold, speak the truth in love, and allow your thoughts, your words, and your actions to be defined by how you react and respond to the distractions and the disruptions in your life today.

Trevor Winchell
Daily Wisdom from God