Recognizing and overcoming distractions is a life changer along your spiritual journey. Our enemy, satan, is a master at distracting people to keep them from fulfilling God’s plans for their lives.
The Webster’s dictionary defines the word distraction as something that directs one’s attention away from something else. Simply put, distractions are meant to shift our focus.[1]
Our enemy knows our weaknesses and knows what will distract you from growing in your relationship with God. A lure is used to catch fish, and in life our enemy uses many different traps. Therefore, we need God to help us recognize the traps of the enemy, so we don’t fall for them.
Nehemiah Overcame Distractions
Nehemiah was in a spiritual battle as he moved forward in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. God had given him this assignment along with the people and resources to do it, but that did not make it easy. The enemies of God were continually working against him do discourage him and people.
Although the enemy was continually trying to set traps for Nehemiah, he had a weapon to counter their distractions. He had a personal relationship with God! Israel’s enemies had used a rumor of rebellion to halt the building of the Temple 90 years prior to Nehemiah. Now this tactic is recycled. A threatening letter and lies were all distractions designed to stop God’s work.
Nehemiah 6:4 Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. 5 The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, 6 and this is what it said: “There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 7 He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’ “You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”
8 I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” [2]
You Can Overcome Distractions
Overcoming distractions is about developing our relationship with the Lord. Nehemiah knew who he was in the Lord’s sight. He had been given a job to do and nothing, not even false accusations, could stop him.
The Holy Spirit will overflow into our lives as we spend more time with the Lord. The result of this close relationship with the Holy Spirit is insight and discernment. God opens your eyes to the distractions for what they are. They are roadblocks to your relationship with God and His plans for your life. As the Lord transforms us, distractions become visible and with His help we can overcome them. Hebrews 12:1And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[3] To hear more about recognizing and overcoming distractions, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-personal-attacks
[1] https://inthemirrorofgod.com/bible-verses-about-distractions/
[2,3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.