Distractions

The first thing that distractions are designed to do is distract you from God! Yes, that's right, the enemy wants your thoughts on him, on his wicked kingdom, on men committed to fulfilling wicked schemes against the righteous; and on wicked principalities in high places; but don't you fall for it. You were equipped by God to manage and quench every distraction and fiery dart. Lets look at the book of Nehemiah, and how the enemy attempted to distract Nehemiah, when he began to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem which was broken down, and its gates burned with fire.

NEHEMIAH 4:1-3 (NKJV): But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish--stones that are burned?" Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, "Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall."

So you see, satan and his kingdom have been perfecting the art of being a bully and trying to distract God's people from the days of old. According to the above scripture, Sanballat (messenger of satan), started his attack of distraction against Nehemiah with insults, rage, and bullying. Nehemiah turned his face to God and presented his enemies to God. Nehemiah recognized Sanballat and the others for who and what they were, a distraction to keep him from fulfilling God's will. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall anyway, and Sanballat once again attempts to distract Nehemiah, this time using the spirit of fear.

NEHEMIAH 6:1-9 (NKJV): Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, "Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono." But they thought to do me harm. So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?" But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner. Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, "There is a king in Judah!" Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together. Then I sent to him, saying, "No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart." For the all were trying to make us afraid, saying, "Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done." Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

The scripture above is a classic move of satan to distract God's people using the spirit of fear, lies and false accusations. You notice how Sanballat's attempt to distract/attack Nehemiah continued to escalate, because he could not get Nehemiah to respond to his distractions. Remember when the enemy has attacked or is attempting to distract you, that Jesus called him the father of lies. What does that mean? If you have ever been around someone who lies about everything, and even believes their own lies, we call that person a compulsive liar. Even when there is no reason to lie, they lie anyway. Well Jesus calls satan the father of this person who is addicted to lying. If you are repulsed by this compulsive liar, can you imagine how much worse satan is at making up lies, which he then feeds to you, all in an attempt to take your worship and attention away from God. This is why God tells us to walk by faith, not by what we see, hear, imagine or smell. Protect your love walk because that is where your power lies.

PROVERBS 3:5-6 (NKJV): Trust in the Lord with all you heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

2 KINGS 6:15-17 (NKJV): And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

When you are under attack, or being distracted by people, circumstances, deceived or manipulated, just remember this; you are never alone or powerless. At times it may feel that you are not in control, but keep your eyes on the Lord. Always talk to Jesus and share with Him what you are going through, as you would with a friend, but remember to ask Jesus for what it is that you need Him to do for you. People say that Jesus does not want you to tell Him about your issues, but Jesus wants to be your friend, not your genie; you can talk to Him about anything. Cast your cares on Christ.

1 PETER 5:6-11 (NKJV): Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due tiem, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace who aclled us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Don't you know, that you are the son/daughter of the Most High God, the Ancient of Day, the One true God who spoke this world and it's species into existence, the Creator of galaxies! Glory be to God! Jesus said His Father could give him MORE than 12 legions of angels, if He asked for them (Matthew 26:53). This is the God that you serve, trust me my friend, you are not alone. Don't get distracted from your God!

By Alva Williams

3/14/2021