Overcoming Today’s Distractions .. thoughts for today – to read and consider .. Nehemiah 4:1-20
On a daily basis, we are faced with distractions .. kids play and family situations .. problems at work, thoughts of our past, lonliness amid all the things and cares of this life .. gossip and criticism of others even our own family members. What about all the financial pressures of our day – kids needing, wanting, asking for “stuff” .. always on the go .. car payments, gas for the tank .. who’s making dinner .. where are we eating out .. who’s going to pay for this or that?
What about the major life distractions and issues – poor health, diabetes, smoking, losing weight, working out .. family conflicts, your personal desires – ALL BOMBARD US EVERY DAY!
Any of these .. can influence us in many ways .. even to distract us and cause us to turn away from God’s perfect plan .. WHY? How? .. because we don’t even stop to thing about God .. to consider His ways .. or even stop to THANK GOD . for the very day we are living in and breathing in ..
Today’s passage shows us the value of “Single-mindedness” .. Nehemiah feared the Lord and conscientiously applied himself to His work. His mind was not divided. If we set our attention solely on God’s plan, our minds will stay fixed on the task, regardless of the difficulties – Why do you think, when asked .. Jesus taught His closest friends to pray – Our Father Who Art In Heaven .. SEE: http://www.iaskgod.com/the-lords-prayer .. Today if you are asking .. seeking .. knocking and trying to find God’s favor .. remember the answer is close at hand. The Lord’s blessing is always upon us when we’re obedient to Him .. when we look to Him .. and this knowledge gave Nehemiah confidence, and it should do the same for us, even in hard times.
Nehemiah had to give a progress report ( accountability ) to the king about what had been accomplished .. and one day we’ll all stand before Jesus and account for how we used the resources and gifts He has provided .. (1 Cor. 3:12-15). Striving for consistency in our prayer life is a daily battle that quite frankly, I lose all to often! When “God’s Chosen” .. the Israelites were ridiculed, they were helpless to stop their opponents’ speech. So Nehemiah prayed, and the people received strength to continue. As the plotting worsened, Nehemiah and his fellow workers cried out to God .. who not only frustrated their enemies’ plans but also provided His people with discernment about how to avoid traps. Nehemiah completed the ambitious project in just 52 days (Neh. 6:15). When we follow his example, God can achieve great things in and through us.
Which of the above points can help you overcome your distractions today? .. Will you consider stopping .. and ASK GOD?