Ward Off Distractions

 By: Joanne Viola

Nehemiah. It’s a most interesting Old Testament book written by an interesting man. No matter how many times one may have read the book, we can never exhaust all that is to be gleaned from his life.

Who was Nehemiah?

He was a cupbearer to the king, a prestigious position during those days. But he was more. Nehemiah was an organizer, a man with a plan and determined to carry out the plan. He was a man of faith and prayer, encouraging the people to draw strength from God. And he worked alongside the people.

So what was the project and the plan?

While the temple had been rebuilt, the walls surrounding the city were still in ruins. Nehemiah had a plan to rebuild and restore the wall. Constantly met with opposition from the enemy, the task seemed insurmountable.

Nehemiah’s enemies were constantly taunting the people. Hurling insulting remarks to discourage them from the daily work on the wall.

The enemy today is no different than the enemy of that day. He works to destroy, distract, discourage, and/or deceive.

Nehemiah’s enemies called him to meet with them. But he recognized their scheme for what it was – a distraction.

And so he replied:

So I sent messengers to them, saying, 
“I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. 
Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” 
(Nehemiah 6:3, NASB)

That verse has stayed with me for a few days. Perhaps it should even be our response when met with distractions.

God calls each of us to do varied things over the course of our lives. Some may seem bigger or more important than others, but they all matter when God has put them before us.

God’s Word is truth. It does not change and it is the Word we can depend upon for guidance, for encouragement, and for strength. God’s Word is powerful and when we speak His Word, we are filled with hope and strength for what He has called us to do. His Word dispels the enemy. And sure, the enemy will return, much the way they returned to taunt Nehemiah time and again, and so we need to read and use His Word every day.

“Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways.” 
(Psalm 119:37, NASB)

“May you walk so intimately with God that you’re acutely aware of your value and divinely aware of your calling.”

(from Prevail by Susie Larson, page 121)

Don’t let yourself be distracted.
Walk intimately with God,
and stay aware of your value and your calling.

 

Reflection:
What distractions tend to draw your focus away from the Lord?
What can you do to keep yourself focused?

 

Image by Aritha from Pixabay