Dear, writer, for the past month we’ve been working on our “why.” I hope you are beginning to make headway on that! This month, we’ll begin to look at the things that—once we begin to get clarity on our “why”—obstruct our forward motion toward it. Because here’s the interesting thing. The clearer we become on what we are doing and why we are doing it, the more some of you will begin to experience odd disruptions to your work. That’s because distraction is one of the enemy’s number one tactics against the children of God. Here’s an example of what I mean.
Distractions in History
King Belshazzar was a great example of distraction. Though warned in a vision by God of his overthrow, he was caught by the Persian King Cyrus—by many accounts—without a fight. Why? Because while King Cyrus was working to redirect the rivers that entered Belshazzar’s city in order to slip through the water gates, Belshazzar and the city of Babylon were busy holding a festival. Talk about distraction. Want to know the most interesting thing? Belshazzar was only the son of the true King, who was even more distracted than his son and appointed Belshazzar to rule in his stead…while he traveled. Yikes. His distraction lost him a kingdom.
Distractions in the Bible
Sampson is an almost perfect picture of distraction in the Bible. God gifted him with superhuman strength and a divine call, given to his parents before he was even born, to deliver his people from the Philistines. However, Sampson was very distracted…by women, by personal vendettas, and ultimately by Delilah. His distraction cost him his strength and his freedom. But he never forgot his call. And God never changed it. In his captivity, he remembered and chose to focus truly on that call one final time and destroyed their temple and killed more Philistines in his death than in his life. Imagine what he might have done if that focus had pervaded his life?
Distractions in Life
Distractions in Your Life
- These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
- Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2
- …but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. – Daniel 11:32
- Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. – John 14:12-13
Where to Begin with Overcoming Distractions in Your Life
Now here’s the beautiful thing. Though many things will try to distract us—we can always choose one thing: our focus. Where we fix our thoughts and gaze. Where we set our focus is where we will end up. Wondering where to start? Here are a few suggestions…
- Identify your biggest distraction(s). Choose your top 1-3. Is it a bad habit? A relationship out of whack? A fear? And over-dependence on something other than God? Write them down and ask God to reveal their root—why they are there—if it’s not obvious.
- Identify what you want instead. Imagine what life would be like without this distraction and what you would be doing. Write that vision down.
- Identify the change you need to make to overcome that distraction. What new habit, step, or frame of thought do you to embrace? Prayerfully write down a goal based on that change.
- Write down scriptures that address the distraction you face and the change you desire. Begin to speak and pray them daily over your life.
- Establish a plan. To start executing your plan to defeat distraction.
Ask for a few godly friends to pray for you as you make these changes and keep them updated on your progress. Because here’s the final thing…
Often our distractions are rooted in some form of idolatry. Something or someone or some standard has become more important to us than God and His Kingdom call in our lives. And overcoming any sin or failing is easier when we bring it into the light as it says here…
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – James 5:16
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. – 1 John 5:7
So, I encourage you today. Wherever you’ve felt distracted, take some time with the Lord to seek out its root and to throw down that idol or pull out that lie…and replace it with a new habit or thought. It may take some effort and persistence, but the freedom and fulfillment that comes from wholeheartedly pursuing God’s call for you will be more than worth it. The world is waiting for your words.
#Writing #Fearless #Focus #DontGiveUp #EveryWriterWriting
