Keep your focus...

          For the past several mornings I have been reading the book of 1 Samuel. I’m at the point where David is on the run because king Saul is trying to kill him. Even as this interesting story is unfolding – yes, I’m very familiar with it and it is still as interesting now – I’m reminded of the reality that nothing and no one can stop what God has ordained for our life. I mean, God had rejected king Saul because of his disobedience to His instructions and He had chosen and anointed a new king, David. When Saul realised what was going on, he became so jealous that he started to do everything in his power to kill David.
            Yet, even this could not stop God’s plan for David’s life. Saul relentlessly pursued David trying to secure his throne. Here’s the problem: God had already shut the door on him and he could not re-open it. His opportunity was gone. God had already chosen and anointed David and Saul could not reverse it. Sometimes, we just need to stop focusing on the problem and acknowledge and stand on the truth that God wants to do something in our life and there is nothing the enemy can do to stop it. Maybe the issue really isn’t the problem, maybe it really isn’t the “storm”. All these things are in reality DISTRACTIONS sent to cause us to lose our focus; to cause us to stop reaching for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. And that’s why it’s a distraction. We don’t realise sometimes that it can’t kill us, it can’t destroy us – that’s the lie the devil wants us to believe – it can only cause us to lose our focus. Too many times we do glorify the problem as if it were a god but in reality, it’s just a distraction. And if the devil can get us to lose our focus, all he will be able to accomplish is a delay. The only thing king Saul could do was delay David’s ascension to the throne – but he could not stop it. If only we can remember that the devil cannot actually stop us but simply delay us, we would not spend so much time and energy fighting a battle God has already won. His purpose WILL prevail … not even the devil can stop that.
            As I look at my own life, there are enough examples of storms or rather distractions that have come my way - and they are still coming – to prevent God’s purpose for my life. Things that attacked me emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. It has not been easy but God has brought and continues to bring me through each one. Even now when the devil attacks my mind with negative thoughts I realise it is a distraction. The issue isn’t the thoughts but the PURPOSE behind the thoughts.
            So, it doesn’t matter what the enemy sends your way – a storm, temptation, fear, etc – remember the goal before you and that these "distractions" are meant and sent to blow you off course. They can’t actually kill or destroy you unless you allow it. They can’t stop God’s purpose for your life, they can only delay it. God’s got your back. Let Him handle it, and He WILL bring you safely into His plan and purpose for you.

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