It matters not what position you hold or where you serve, your adversary is always looking to distract and misdirect you. When attempting to do God’s work, God’s way, you will be reminded (by the adversary) that you are not good enough. With a desire to lead their church to be a more praying church Pastor’s often hear, “You hypocrite, who are you to…Your prayer life is not…”
In writing a sermon, we hear similar thoughts. Yet, every Bible study teacher and every preacher must wrestle with the truth they are preparing to teach, before they can openly present it to their audience. Expect the adversary to be there whispering in your ear of your weaknesses and failures.
A billboard once read, “If your day is too busy, don’t worry about doing your devotion, one day won’t hurt…signed the devil”
Our adversary works overtime trying to distract us and to dissuade us (leader and members) from carrying out our obligation to Christ. Distraction and deceit are perhaps the two biggest lies used to hinder God’s people in God’s work.
We do well to remember every journey, no matter how long, is accomplished one step at a time. Take courage in realizing it is not the journey completed that is our task, but to put one foot in front of the other one step at a time. It is not the completion of the journey that should obsess us today, rather it is how we take the next step.
With that in mind it is good to lay out the journey in steps. If traveling from Roanoke, VA to San Diego, CA, you cannot drive it in one day. Break the journey into steps. What can we reasonably do in one day (month, year)? What stops will we need or want to make along the way? What can we do ahead of time to prepare for obstacles that may arise?
Know that each one of these steps can be thwarted by the deceiver in an attempt to distract you and even take you off course.
Regarding that devotion time mentioned above, by beginning your day with Christ in prayer and devotion, you are inviting our Lord to start the day and walk beside you, and He will help make smooth the path in front of you. Smoother than the days we begin without Him.
Rely on your scripture memorization to reject negative thoughts and lies of deceit and distraction throughout the day. When the enemy plants thoughts in your mind, he can control your mind, attitude, and results for your day. Choose rather to believe and think on the greatness of God and His truth planted in your heart and mind.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Phil.4:8
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.