Try and focus just for a moment on anything that you deem important or that needs your attention. Without fail your mind begins to wander and think about everything you need to accomplish except what you need to do right then. The definition of “distraction” is the prevention of giving full attention, as well as extreme agitation of the mind or emotions.
During a time of prayer, the Lord said to me, “2020 could be known as ‘The Great Distraction.’” Because of the short amount of time the devil has left, I believe he has increased his efforts to belittle and silence the activity and authority of the body of Christ. His campaign can only be stopped by each believer becoming focused on what is true and most important, which is our closeness to and dialog with the Father.
In Exodus 3:1-8 we read about Moses leading his father-in-law’s sheep to the back side of the desert when there was an unexpected sight, a bush that was on fire but not consumed. Notice his response in verse three. He said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” The phrase “turn aside” indicates a departure from his planned course of action. It literally means to exit or turn off. What grabs my attention more than the burning bush is what happens when Moses decides to exit his plan. We read a most important statement in verse four, “So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’” Moses’ decision to change his plans, course, and agenda for the day is when the conversation between the Almighty and himself began. This moment with God literally changed Moses’ destiny, planting a calling and anointing on his life that would absolutely change a whole nation. I wonder how many times, because of our schedules and the loud distractions of life, have we missed life-altering and destiny-changing moments. Thank God that He is patient and a God of second chances.
I believe the quality of our lives flows from the intimacy we have with the Father, which leaves us with a question. Are you willing to turn aside, exit your plan in any area of life, for God’s plan? It’s a weighty question that has infinite reward when the answer is yes!
James 4:8 encourages you to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith it is impossible to please God, for they that come to Him must believe that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Isaiah 64:4 (AMPC) boldly declares that God works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for Him.
You can see why the devil works so hard to distract and pull the body of Christ from its main necessity, which is to focus on Him.
It brings His presence, His provision, and His assistance into our lives. Hebrews 12:2 (AMPC) says, “Looking away [from ALL that distract] to Jesus, who is the Leader and the source of our faith.” Our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
I want to leave you with three indicators that reveal your focus and where your attention lies. If any are missing, make it your priority to align your path with His, by spending time with your Father, seeking Him and hearing what He has to say.
Peace is the first indicator. Job 22:2 (AMPC) reads, “Acquaint now yourself with Him [agree with God and show yourself to be conformed to His will] and be at peace; by that [you shall prosper great] good shall come to you. “Peace will provide a tranquil state where your soul is assured of its salvation, so fears nothing. I’ll say this as well, anything that costs you your peace is too expensive.
The second indicator is rest. Rest includes learning to receive eternal or limitless strength and ability in and by truth. So many of us know how to get and do, which is good. The downside of this is we forget how to simply receive all that God has given us by grace. I want you to read these next verses carefully. Exodus 14:13-14 reads, “Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.”
The last indicator is joy. We know that in God’s presence is the fullness of joy and that His joy is our strength. Joy is a spiritual force that flows out of the reborn spirit of man and is energized by the quality time that is spent in the Lord’s company. Psalms 34:5 (NLT) reads, “Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”
The answers that we need during such a chaotic time are simply found off the beaten path. They are just off the next exit. By turning aside, we initiate the conversation where God will speak to us and place in us the counsel that will stand and produce the greatest results. Don’t get distracted by the political noise or agendas of this culture. Hold your peace and remain at rest. God surrounds you and will work for you, as you let Him.