Do Not Be Distracted
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)
The enemy is the master of distraction. He loves to draw us away so our focus is off of Jesus and our eyes are on natural circumstances. Anytime our eyes begin to look more towards the situations around us and less on the things of God, we begin to think differently than God thinks and we begin to speak in line with the plots and plans of the devil and not in line with the purposes of God.
If Jesus could keep His focus when He was nailed to a tree, we should be able to do so now. The strategy of the devil has not changed. He still is a liar and tells absolutely no truth. He is still looking to steal, kill, and destroy. He is still the accuser of the brethren. And he is still using distractions to reduce our effectiveness as Christians.
Consider the recent tragedy that happened in our state where numerous innocent children died. First of all, God did not take any of those children- the devil stole their lives. Once we understand that, we are closer to uncovering the enemy’s purpose in inspiring this event. He comes to kill. His purpose is the ultimate destruction of anything and anyone that God loves. His beef is with God, but he attacks God’s creation to get to Him- especially people since God made them in His image and likeness.
And he loves to distract. He stages and sets up certain events to draw our attention and focus off God and His goodness. When tragedy strikes, people may not realize it, but they begin to question God, asking things like, “Why, God, why?” And they begin to allow fear to come in, accepting thoughts that make them question the safety of themselves and their families. And before you know it, we’re trying to fix the problem with natural solutions instead of waging spiritual warfare.
We are in a spiritual war between God and satan, good and evil, light and darkness. And we are to be soldiers in the army of God, always alert, ready, and armed to do battle. When we get distracted and alarmed, we become unprepared to fight the good fight of faith. Yes, it is extremely painful to see children and others targeted by the enemy and the people who follow him. Our hearts ache for the parents and family members. However, we cannot allow that to draw us away from our posts. We stand on the Word. We remain constant in prayer. We decree the defeat of the enemy. And we plead the blood of Jesus over our families, communities, and nations. The blood is the bulletproof vest that stops everything the enemy tries to shoot at us and others. We are not to back down and we are not to give in to the spirits of fear or grief. Instead we must double-down and use our authority even more to bind the enemy.
The enemy has a bigger strategy than just taking out a couple dozen people. His plan is bigger and even more sinister and he is using powerful people to orchestrate something more significant. Always remember that what we are shown on TV and in the newspaper is seldom the entire story and is usually framed in such a way as to make us think certain things. There is much more to this event than one solitary, emotionally-disturbed person perpetrating this act upon innocent people. And as more is revealed, we will see the truly hideous schemes of influential people come to light. This sick event was meant to draw the public’s attention away from a certain trial and other events they don’t want us to focus on. And they did not care that lives were sacrificed to do so.
So, do not be distracted or fooled. Stay on guard and in prayer. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope or blame God. Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus and stand in faith for righteousness to prevail. Great truth is about to be revealed, and wicked plans are about to be destroyed. Stand in faith, refuse to fear, pray for the families impacted, and know that God will somehow manage to make all things right because He always wins.
