We fail to achieve our set goals by giving in to distractions that come along our way. Many are the times we have failed to attend to our duties effectively simply because we got distracted. But how do we get to deal these distractions that we encounter in our daily lives? How do we stay grounded to our principles and beliefs without being swayed by the 'wind'?
There are numerous ways that can help us deal with distractions. However, we first need to understand the two types of distractions and also realise that even the chosen men of God did face distractions but through His grace they overcame them. There is the physical distraction and spiritual distraction. Whichever one experiences, it would lead to destruction if not dealt with or avoided in the first place.
Physical distraction basically entails our every day job. It is the kind that hinders us from performing well in our work place or studies. It is when we focus on the non issues instead of what is really important. In this millennial age, the number one factor of obstruction is the smart phones. When everything is at the reach of our 'hands' and with internet being almost everywhere, we end up spending more time on our phones other than what we ought to do. Our friends can be a distraction when they want to share a very interesting and enticing gossip during studying or working hours. We have all experienced either of these hindrances or even others in our daily lives and we can affirm that they did affect our performance negatively or rather we failed to achieve what we had set to do.
The outcomes of physical distractions are visible and can be corrected by man. However, when it comes to the spiritual obstructions, it will take the hand of God to overcome them. These distractions affect our spiritual being; the inner man and just to put more emphasis, these distractions affect the soul.
God's word tells us that the evil one comes to steal, kill and destroy and once we let him distract us, our spiritual life gets destroyed. Satan uses any available means to distract our spiritual selves and thus gets a chance to steal what God has put in our hearts, destroys our faith and finally kills us spiritually. The parable of the sower explains it all. The story of Job is a perfect example of the devil's distraction attempt. Since Job lived a content life and kept his trust in God, the devil (being permitted by God), destroyed everything Job had to see if he would still put his faith in God. Well Job was a noble man and God's faithful servant that even in his tribulations he did not rebuke God.
The devil also tried to distract Jesus at least twice. While Jesus was fasting and praying, he was tempted by the devil three times and he managed to overcome the temptations. When Jesus was being arrested, Peter his disciple chopped off the ear of one of the soldiers and when Jesus was healing him, Peter tried to stop him but Jesus told him, 'Get behind me you Satan.' Jesus was full of God's spirit which enabled him to realise that it was the devil who was using Peter to stop him from performing the miracle on the soldier.
Clearly, no one is exempted from distractions. Everyone faces and encounters distractions day in day out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that, 'No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation He will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.' Therefore, what matters is how we deal with the distractions that we face. One of the most important factors to consider while overcoming obstructions is standing firm on God's word since He will provide a way to deal with them and also standing firmly on our principles. Being self-disciplined is an effort by itself and needs courage as well. Remember, even close friends can be factors of distraction and turning them down on certain occasions is difficult since we do not intend to destroy our relationships. But if push comes to shove, we are then forced to cut off friends that tend to do us more harm than good through their actions.
Proverbs 4:25 says, 'Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.' Staying focused can also help one to overcome distractions. Knowing what you want, where you want to be and what you want to achieve can help us in avoiding distractions. Keeping these factors in mind would enable one to identify factors that may derail achievement of one's goals or objectives.
The story of Nehemiah serves as a perfect example on staying focused on what we intend to achieve. The prophet was delegated the duty of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem by God. But just like every other person who was called to do God's work, Nehemiah faced opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem. In an attempt to distract and stop him from rebuilding the wall, the three sent a messenger to Nehemiah; telling him that he was to have meeting with the three. But Nehemiah sent his messenger to the opposers of God's work saying, 'I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?' (Nehemiah 6:3). This is the firm stand that we all need to have. There will be people who will try by all means to stop us from doing God's will and its upon us to resist them completely. Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem tried to distract Nehemiah four more times but the prophet was firm with his stand and was able to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Spiritual growth totally depends on how we tackle distractions that come along the way. Cultivating a prayerful life is not a walk in the park. It is hard work that requires commitment and consistency. It is one of the ways of developing our spiritual life together with reading and understanding God's word. But we also need to be aware that the devil does not fancy us when we are prayerful and when we have unwavered faith in God. That is why he sends his agents to distract us such as sleep😂. Well God tells us that there is no temptation sent to us that we can deal with as long as we invite Him to help us through.
Temptations and distractions will always come our way, but when we are firm with our stands and principles we will be able to overcome them.
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