Don't Be Distracted!

Natural things, this world, can be very distracting. You might say, they are up close and personal. Natural things can be experienced with the senses. Spiritual things may seem more elusive; the Bible says they are unseen and not revealed by the senses (2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 11:1). Yet, the spiritual is everlasting compared to worldly things that are fading away (2 Corinthians 4:18); the spiritual is more powerful. The spiritual created the natural; in the beginning God said, and it was, and it was good (Genesis 1)!

When Jesus called Peter to walk on the water it was a stormy night. From the moment Peter got out of the boat in response to Jesus’ command, “Come” and he started walking on the water, the seas were rough and wind boisterous. Yet, Peter walked on the water. After he had taken a few steps, believing Jesus’ instruction, his attention became distracted by the wind and waves. As soon as he considered the natural circumstances, he was afraid. Fear replaced faith and believing, and he could no longer respond to the command. Jesus’ words to Peter had not changed. Peter’s focus changed and he doubted. Unbelief had shut him out from participating in what Jesus had said. (Matthew 14:22-33)

This distraction by natural events was addressed by Jesus during His encounter with Jairus who was seeking Jesus’ assistance to heal his daughter. She was near death when Jairus first approached Him, but Jesus’ delay resulted in the child’s death before He could arrive. Upon hearing the words of death that could distract Jairus, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:35,36). In other words, “Don’t be distracted by this bad report, by words that are contrary to what I say about the situation.” Jesus separated Jairus and his wife from the negativity of this report, and helped them to stay focused on Him; their daughter was raised to life from death! (Mark 5:37-42)

Unbelief had shut the Israelites out of receiving God’s promise (Hebrews 3:19). They too were distracted by the natural. They responded to what they saw instead of what God said. They were distracted by hearing a bad report which was contrary to God’s word (Numbers 13).

Seeing according to what God says paints a much different picture than what may be seen and experienced by natural circumstances. The fact is that God’s words are containers of power; they hold a creative force to fulfill themselves as demonstrated when God created the world and everything in it. “For the words that God speaks are alive and full of power” (Hebrews 4:12). He is watching over His word to perform it: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Amplified: Isaiah 55:11).

Nothing is impossible for God! Jesus reminds us, “Didn’t I tell you if you believe what I say, you will see the glory of God” (John 11:40)! “For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment” (Luke 1:37).

Being distracted from God’s word by natural events, robs us of experiencing His promises and seeing His glory. It does not honor Him! “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). But we must know His word, which is His promises, which is His will, in order to have a firm foundation upon which to believe. We can not enter into His promises unless we believe what He says (Psalm 95:11). Today, when you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, rebelling against what God has spoken, being distracted by this world (Psalm 95:7,8). Remember, if you believe you will see the glory of God!

What has God spoken to you? What are His promises to you that you are standing upon? What do you believe? I started to make my own list and this encouraged me in the Lord, bringing me to awe at His greatness and love for me. Make your own list and be encouraged; experience His love and the abundant life He has for you (John 10:10)!