Distraction: A tactic that steals what Jesus has provided for you

Do you find yourself being distracted by personal circumstances, problems, day to day matters, or worldly things? These things challenge our time and attention. They steal our peace and cause frustration or irritation. They lead to worry and anxiety. Further attention to these situations may lead to hopelessness. Distraction is a tactic of the enemy to divert our attention away from Jesus and the Word and are meant to cause doubt. Remember Jesus told us that satan comes to kill, to steal and to destroy (John 10:10); distraction is the perfect means to accomplish that end. Satan wants you to look away from the finished work of the cross, and instead look at your circumstance, the problem, day to day matters, and worldly things that disturb you.

What is the finished work of the cross? The answer to this question is more complex than you may be thinking. Jesus died on the cross in order to forgive sins, restore relationship to the Father, and allow us the privilege of living with Him in heaven forever. We must believe in the Father and the One Who He sent, Jesus Christ, in order to receive this blessing. The finished work of the cross, however, is an entire package, so to speak, called salvation. The Greek word for salvation is Sozo, which references wholeness of the spirit, the mind, will, emotions and the flesh (the body); to rescue, save and deliver from the enemy now, in this world. 2 Peter 1:3 describes it this way: “His divine power He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness”. Colossians states that Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). We are now, as believers, out of satan’s control (Colossians 1:13). Jesus’ work of the cross gave us all necessary power as we are united with Christ, alive with Him (Ephesians 1:19,20; Colossians 2:13). “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So, you also are complete through your union with Christ, Who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Colossians 2:9,10).

Think about the extraordinary provision given to you by the finished work of the cross! Now you understand why satan wants you distracted. If he can cause you to focus your attention on anything but Jesus and what He accomplished, causing you to doubt who you are and what you have, mission accomplished! Satan was rendered powerless by the cross! You were empowered by the cross. He wants to steal what you have been given! His goal is to make the cross of no affect!

Looking at the finished work of the cross is the answer to all the lies and the destruction of the enemy. This is the only solution! God instructs us to “Look away (from all that will distract) to Jesus, Who is the Leader and Source of our faith” (Amplified: Hebrews 12:2). He tells us to “run with endurance the race that He has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) He says, “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised (Hebrews 10:35,36). It is His desire to provide for you. “Jesus came that you may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (Amplified: John 10:10).

It is an act of faith to look at Jesus instead of all the disturbances around us. Defeat seems to scream at us, because of these distractions. Satan is the defeated foe, not Jesus! And you are not defeated because you are united with Him! Your victory in every circumstance is the finished work of the cross. Do not believe the opposite! You were created to be more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37), as you are equipped with Jesus Christ! You may not feel like a conqueror, but the Word says very differently. So, do not rely on your feelings to dictate your reality. Rely on the Word instead!

“God can’t break His Word. And because His Word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. God’s Word is a rock-solid guarantee. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go” (The Message: Hebrews 6:17,18). Be fully persuaded by the Word. Don’t consider anything else. Don’t waver. You have a Word from God! Hold onto that Word no matter what you are facing, no matter what you are feeling. Negative circumstances don’t alter His Word. They may try to distract, but they contain no power. Once God has spoken, it cannot be reversed (Numbers 23:20). He Who promised is able (Romans 4:21). “… overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, Who loved us (Romans 8:37). Since God did not spare even His own Son, but give Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else (Romans 8:32)?