Let Go of Little Distractions

By Alexandra Copeland 

Successful people have certain disciplines and personal characteristics that propel them forward. They have discovered what works, and they have the foresight to continue the practices that yield their desired results. Once a person leaves behind things that are proven not to work, and then changes their thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors to produce an outcome that does work, a productive synergy is ignited. It is palpable, because when a person has discovered how to make life work for them, they have confidence; everyone around them can sense it. Understand that our minds and hearts create an atmosphere to operate in faith, and once we’ve learned to sustain this atmosphere, positive outcomes increase. Again, it is continuing the practices that yield results. It’s consistency! The enemy knows this, and that’s why he tries to topple our efforts with little distractions that cause us to lose the focus faith demands.

There is some question among some biblical scholars and theologians as to whether the Apostle Paul pinned the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament. It is my belief that he did, and it is in Hebrews 12:1 that Holy Spirit directs Paul to speak of the Christian life as a race. He encourages us to follow the example of those in the faith that accomplished great things for the Kingdom of God. He tells us to lay aside every weight, especially the weight of sin, and to run the race that God has set before us with patience. God has given each of us a race to run, and the first truth of which we must be absolutely certain is that this race we’re currently running is set by God, and not by us. 

God has set it, but it is up to us how we run it. If we choose to run it with faith and patience, discipline is required. In 1Corinthians 9:24-26(NLT), God tells us through Paul, “24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” People seek success for different reasons, but as Paul clarifies, the believer is in the race for an eternal prize; therefore, we must run with a deeper understanding of the race so that every step in our stride is meaningful to the journey forward.

God is in control. This doesn’t mean that we are to run around like robots. He’s given us free-will, but He has also told us that the best way to run this race is to do it by aligning our will with His Will. Why? Because the victory has already been won by Jesus Christ. He defeated our enemy. 1Corinthians 15:57 tells us to thank God because He’s given us victory over sin and death through the Lord Jesus Christ! 1John 5:4(NLT) says, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” We've got the victory, and it is our responsibility and privilege to affirm it with our very lives by walking in Christ and doing what God has called us to do.

The distraction game heats up when we understand what is required of us. Setting our minds and hearts with enthusiasm and excitement about what God has planned changes the trajectory of our lives. The very energy around us makes a shift, and the devil takes notice. Sensing your determination to walk in the victory of Christ, the enemy works through people and situations to distract you in the race, so that you’ll veer off the path. Don’t let this happen! Recognize the tricks and plots to undermine your success. Let go of toxic relationships, distance yourself from those who only speak negatives, and cling to God with everything in you. You’ve got some place to be, and as you discipline yourself to focus on the Lord, the path will be made clear to your success!■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. 

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.