One of my favorite events during the summer Olympics is the distance runners in the track and field events. The shorter-distance runners tend to get the most attention (think Usain Bolt) but, in my opinion, the long-distance runners have a much more challenging job. Sprinters, like Usain Bolt, can easily see the finish line before them. Distance runners, on the other hand, have to visualize where the finish line is and through the many miles they run, keep their focus on the goal.
Like a distance runner, you might also have your eyes on a goal and you cannot see the finish line. As you run your race, it is important to keep your focus on the finish line. Unfortunately, that will not always be easy. No matter how strong your desire to finish strong, the enemy of your soul is just as determined to make sure that you do not.
Satan was an angel who got off track, so his favorite tool is getting us off track with him. One way he does that is by using distractions. He knows that if he can get women to focus on anything but God, they won’t be able to live out their God-given purpose for the building of the kingdom. Three of his favorite tools for distracting you are:
Time – How many times have you said, “I just don’t have enough time!”? The truth is, everyone has the same 24 hours to accomplish whatever the Lord has called them to do. Believing that you do not, is a distraction. Instead of proclaiming that you do not have enough time, ask yourself, “How can I make the time to do what I need to do?” The answer might be to cut out watching your favorite television show, getting up or going to bed an hour earlier, or maybe asking someone for help. If God has called you to do something, He will provide the means for you to do it.
Money – When you became a Believer, you also became a child of the King of Kings. Your Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Everything belongs to Him. So, when God places a calling on your life, He is not concerned with your bank account; He is concerned with your faith. Trust Him. In addition to praying for what you need, you might have to get creative. What can you sell (clothing at a consignment shop or on eBay) or what can you save money on (your favorite Starbucks beverage)? If God has called you to do something, I can promise you that He will help you find a way to get the funds you need to carry out His plan.
People – People come into your life for all kinds of reasons. Some will be your biggest supporters and cheerleaders. Others, however, come to discourage you. Satan is not omnipresent, so he uses his followers to distract you from what God said. Once you are distracted from the truth, discouragement is easy. The remedy for not allowing people to become a distraction in your life is to focus on Jesus and what He says to you. The Word of God is filled with promises to keep you encouraged and on the path to winning the race set before you. Sometimes this means that you have to limit contact with people who want to discourage you from pursuing the dream God placed in your heart. Everyone is not meant to have a front-row seat in your life. Surround yourself with people who speak life over you and to you.
The Creator of the universe has fashioned you to fulfill His purpose for your life. When distractions get in your way, it becomes easy to forget your calling and focus on the distraction. When you feel
