DEALING WITH THE SPIRIT OF DISTRACTION
That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? ~ Neh 6:2-3
In life, there are many moments you will get distracted from what you will be doing. Many people have been distracted from their goals, vision or purpose. There are many things in the world which are there to distract you so that you won’t complete your mission.
In the above scripture, we see Sanballat and Geshem trying to distract Nehemiah from the progress he was making. In your case, the distraction can come from any angle. Distractions come to steal your effort, time, concern, concentration on your work or purpose. This can come from the devil, your family members, that chat, that TV program, your spouse, your friends and even yourself. Distractions can also come from challenges, current or past successes, greediness, being power-hungry, evil heart and so on. These are there to take you from your purpose. I won’t be distracted.
It then calls for every person to be ready for these distractions when they come. Some distractions come as of good intention but with bad motives. Below are some of the ways you can do to deal with the spirit of distraction:
1. Be alert (1 Peter 5:8, Mk 8:15, 1 Cor 16:13, Lk 21:32-36): Many people have been caught unaware because of not being alert. Being alert means being vigilant and ready. Distraction can come any time and moment and your physical and spiritual eyes need to be open.
2. Know the schemes of distraction (2 Cor 2:11): As said above some distractions come in a way which you may not think. Some distractions are well packaged. Like Sanballat and Geshem the invitation seemed well but they thought of doing mischief or harm to Nehemiah.
3. Have a formula of response (Prov 4:7): Distractions sometimes need a formula of response. My response must be led by wisdom. Nehemiah sent the messengers with his response. This was wisdom. He didn’t go himself because it was time wasting.
4. Know the value of your project (Mt 13:44-46): Your project, purpose, vision or dream is too big to entertain distractions. Many people leave their purpose because they don’t know the value of their purpose. What you do not value, will not stay with you. In Mt 13:44-46, we see every effort, time and cost put so that one can have what he values. Most Israelites missed Canaan by comparing the value of Canaan with the value of Egypt. They were distracted by the wilderness (Num 11:4)
5. Don’t leave or quit the purpose: Nehemiah continued with the project. Many people do it wrong because they chase the distraction and leave the project or purpose unattended. It is high time we keep our eyes on the ball until the project is done. Do not quit because of the distraction. Move on. The Israelites almost became distracted at Mt Sinai until God had to make a command,
You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance ~ Deut 1:6-7
1. Be alert (1 Peter 5:8, Mk 8:15, 1 Cor 16:13, Lk 21:32-36): Many people have been caught unaware because of not being alert. Being alert means being vigilant and ready. Distraction can come any time and moment and your physical and spiritual eyes need to be open.
2. Know the schemes of distraction (2 Cor 2:11): As said above some distractions come in a way which you may not think. Some distractions are well packaged. Like Sanballat and Geshem the invitation seemed well but they thought of doing mischief or harm to Nehemiah.
3. Have a formula of response (Prov 4:7): Distractions sometimes need a formula of response. My response must be led by wisdom. Nehemiah sent the messengers with his response. This was wisdom. He didn’t go himself because it was time wasting.
4. Know the value of your project (Mt 13:44-46): Your project, purpose, vision or dream is too big to entertain distractions. Many people leave their purpose because they don’t know the value of their purpose. What you do not value, will not stay with you. In Mt 13:44-46, we see every effort, time and cost put so that one can have what he values. Most Israelites missed Canaan by comparing the value of Canaan with the value of Egypt. They were distracted by the wilderness (Num 11:4)
5. Don’t leave or quit the purpose: Nehemiah continued with the project. Many people do it wrong because they chase the distraction and leave the project or purpose unattended. It is high time we keep our eyes on the ball until the project is done. Do not quit because of the distraction. Move on. The Israelites almost became distracted at Mt Sinai until God had to make a command,
You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance ~ Deut 1:6-7
Today, you have an ultimate decision, don’t quit the purpose because of distractions. The journey is still on.
John Museredzo is a passionate teacher of the Word of God. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, blog http://www.johnmuseredzo.blogspot.com or whatsapp +263712154277.
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