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Removing Distractions

I love memorable lines from movies. I’ll show my age as I share some of my favorite ones like, “Show me the money!” from the movie Jerry Maguire. I’ll go even farther back to the classic line from the Wizard of Oz, “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

I also love memorable scripture verses—not the ones everyone always quotes like, “I can do all things through Christ.” Or, “No weapon formed again me.” Sure they’re inspirational, but one of the most impactful and memorable scriptures that could be right out of a movie is from Nehemiah. The scene—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem (I call them the 3 stooges) are trying to distract Nehemiah from completing the rebuilding of the wall by what we would call today, ‘inviting him out for a drink.’

They say, “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” Nehemiah 6:2

His response: “I’M DOING A GREAT WORK; I CAN’T COME DOWN.” Isn’t that the best response ever !!!

Imagine having the courage to say that to others when they try to distract you and pull you away from your work. And probably even more appropriate, imagine saying that to all the distractions in the world like Netflix; your mind telling you that you should quit, and the spirit of discouragement trying to tell you that you should just quit.

“I’m doing a great work; I can’t come down!”

This is the scripture I keep repeating to myself as I fight to resist the spirit of overwhelm that keeps me wanting to jump from task to task. I so want to be focused like Nehemiah and refuse to let distractions keep me from staying in my purpose. Distractions keep me from my workouts; they keep me from keeping my butt in the chair and working, and they keep me from simple things like returning a phone call.

But as I reread the victory of Nehemiah, his focus and determination, I realize that these enemies (or whatever they are for you) are relentless and will continue to try to sabotage your plans. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem came after him five times in five different ways, and each time he was able to maintain his focus. I want that kind of focus!

How was Nehemiah able to overcome distractions?

1.  He prayed at all times.

2.  He acknowledged his fears but recognized that his faith is stronger.

That’s what I’m practicing today. Each time I lose my focus, I will pray and ask the Holy Spirit to redirect me. And every time I recognize that my fears (failure) are really at the root of why I stay overwhelmed and get distracted, I turn those fears over to God. I’ll ask Him for courage. I’ll ask him for confidence and for His strength to help me endure.

How about you? What distracts you? What keeps you from sticking to your health goals?

Declare this today, “I’M DOING A GREAT WORK; I CAN’T COME DOWN!” Then pray and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with focus and determination to keep on going—one day at a time, one step at a time.

If you need a supportive group to help you stay focused on your health goals, consider joining our supportive family at Weight Loss, God’s Way.

You’ve got this with the Lord as your strength!

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Donna Vernon
Donna Vernon
3 years ago

This is so true. I get very easily distracted with my short-term memory loss. I am right now going to print out I’m doing a great work; I can’t come down. I am going to put it in several places in my house. 🙏