Distractions
Magicians utilize distraction to execute their illusions. They make you focus on one thing while their hands or assistant is doing another. Fake news works the same way. The controlled media creates news cycles to divert our attention from the real issues. The enemy does the same thing. We find ourselves caught up in conflict when God wants to deliver us. We find ourselves focused on the storm when God wants us to walk on water. What distractions are you currently facing? What is being deliberately put in your line of sight when you should be paying attention to something else? What are you worrying about when God has already handled? Don’t let these temporary distractions steal your joy. Don't let these uncertain times steal your faith. Don’t let one defeat steal your victory. Distractions are a tool of the enemy to keep you bound.
John 8:36 NKJV Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed
Obstacles
Part of being successful is acknowledging the obstacles in your way, and to the best of your abilities planning for them. There will be unforeseen circumstances, but for the most part we know our challenges. It is important to set realistic goals. It is important to evaluate resources. We must always count the cost. Some journeys require you to travel alone. Some roads are long and narrow. No matter what path you take this year, count the cost. Evaluate and acknowledge your obstacles...so you can overcome them.
Distractions
I’m not a person that gets overwhelmed easily. I can typically take myself out of a situation and try to see it from all sides. I can usually agree to disagree. Sometimes, I must admit that I do get distracted. I lose sight of my goal. I get in my feelings, and it’s usually all bad. It’s amazing how much what we see and our mind processes controls our point of view.
Distractions are meant to keep you focused on temporary problems or obstacles. They are meant to frustrate you in the moment. They are meant to make lose sight of what’s ahead. Distractions are there to deter your vision. Keep that in mind, when your day doesn’t go as planned or when the kids are acting up. Distractions are obstacles designed to obstruct your vision. It all goes back to your vision. What are you looking at? What do you see? Do you see opportunity or distraction?
Fortitude
I heard a preacher say that, “on the other side of your pain is success.” Most of us would choose a life free from pain and adversity. We would choose a life that doesn’t require any courage under fire. Interesting enough, it’s in the fire that we find out how much we can endure. It is in our weakness, we find our strength. It is in challenging times, we find our fortitude.
Jericho
Every battle isn’t meant to be fought. Some just require trust and faith that God will show up on your behalf. Joshua followed very specific instructions from God. I can only imagine how stupid they must have felt walking around the walls of Jericho everyday. Nothing happened. Nothing changed. Then after six days passed, they were told to march around seven times, blow their horns and shout. I’m sure someone asked, “why are we marching instead of strategizing?” They were soldiers not musicians. This is not how battles are fought, and definitely not how they are won. Heed God’s specific instruction in your life. No matter how idiotic. No matter how much it doesn’t make sense. Trust God in all things. Watch the walls of Jericho fall in your life. The battle is not yours to fight, anyway.
2/12
Moses sent out twelve scouts into the Promised Land. Of the twelve, only two came back with a good report. How is it that all twelve went to the same place and saw the same things, but only two saw things differently? Perspective. How are you viewing your current situation? Are you focusing on the obstacles? Are you seeing your current challenges as momentary setbacks? Do you see the glass half full? A positive outlook on a negative situation can change your life. How are your current struggles preparing you? Are they building character or perseverance? Maybe, God is building your faith. No matter what you are currently experiencing, try to have 2/12 vision. See things from God’s point of view.