Distraction is the enemy of focus. Distraction does not announce itself. Distraction creeps in unannounced sometimes, other times it comes with fanfare. Sometimes it appears as being important and requires immediate attention. The only thing that it does not call itself is a distraction.
The year 2008 is a year of fulfilment. A year when we begin to see what we’ve toiled for come to pass. A year when our hunger and thirst will be satisfied. A year when all the weeping, the tears, the groaning will pale into insignificant as we see all we’ve believed for begin to materialise. That is why it is so important for us to be focused this year. Distractions will be inevitable, but our focus will determine how destination and progress.
Distractions are unscheduled intrusions. A distraction is the pulling away from your original destination.
• Distractions are there to draw you away from your main purpose,
• Distractions are there to perplex you,
• Distractions are meant to disorient your thinking.
• Distractions are there to make you turn away from your main goal
• Distractions are the main course of procrastination.
An author wrote and I quote, “Not everything around you is designed to help you, not everyone that comes your way was sent to help you”
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s anointing and the only criteria required of Elisha at this critical moment in his ministry was focus. Elisha was to see Elijah being lifted up, if he was to receive what he asked for.
Many people start well with great plans, great visions, and the anointing of God being mighty upon their lives, but become distracted. Distraction can be subtle.
The book of Genesis gives us a good example; Adam and Eve were given an assignment but they got distracted. They had everything going in the Garden of Eden; they had purpose, dreams and aspirations but they allow themselves to become distracted.
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1)
Samson had an assignment but was distracted by his lust for Delilah. She was his distraction.
"And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver." (Judges 16:4-5)
Judas Iscariot lost his place amongst the disciples due to the distraction caused by the love of power and money.
"And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests, that he might deliver him unto them. And they, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently deliver him unto them." (Mark 14:10-11)
In our world today we are surrounded by many dead dreams, unfulfilled visions because of distractions. It has been said that “the difference between success and failure is a broken focus”.
In the year 2008 there would be distractions, the enemy will try to kill your dreams, he will try to frustrate you and bring discouragement. He will use every avenue, he will use families and friends, colleagues even other christians. Remain focussed. You have a dream, you have a vision and a destination.
Your greatest weapon will be inquiring of the Lord and obeying Him in what He tells you. The Bible tells us that when David was anointed king the Philistines came at him, but David inquired of the Lord.
"And when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold." (2Samuel 5:17)
David refused to be distracted, rather he went to the Lord for counsel, and the Lord advised David on what to do, which he did. The Philistines came the second time and the Bible says he went again to the Lord. He sought counsel from the Lord, obeyed him and he had a break through.
Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s anointing because he saw Elijah being taken up.
Your break through and success depends on you being focused this year and beyond.
"Looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Looking on to Jesus our saviour who focused until His purpose on earth was fulfilled.
May the Lord hear you when you call, may the name of the God of Jacob bring you victory and fulfilment this year, may He remember your sacrifices and your burnt offerings. May you be fulfilled this year. May your dreams, your aspirations be accomplished this year and beyond in Jesus name. Amen.
