Matthew 14:28-31(ESV)
And Peter answered him, “Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The disciples were in the middle of the Sea of Galilee at night. They looked and saw Jesus walking on the sea towards them. Thinking He is a ghost, the disciples were terrified and afraid. But Jesus responded, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter overcame his fear and asked Jesus if he could walk on the sea. He did this knowing that Jesus was present and He would protect and save him from sinking. The Lord invites him to come, and Peter steps out of the boat. Peter walked on water toward Jesus and had his eyes set on Jesus, but as he looked at his surroundings and got distracted, he began to sink. Even in his failure, he demonstrated that with our eyes on Jesus, the extraordinary is possible, lifting us above our seemingly impossible situation. Likewise, when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our circumstances, we will fall under the weight of our problems. 1 Corinthians 7:35 says, “And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.”
In life, many of the challenges we face are simply distractions from the enemy to keep us from pursuing our destiny. They are there to disconnect us from our God-given destiny on earth. A wise person sees the goal, anticipates the obstacles, and plans wisely. There are so many distractions in life that hinder us from bearing fruit. Notice that afflictions, persecutions, and tribulations are instruments of the devil and are used to distract us from bearing fruit in our lives. Distractions can come in different ways to impede our passion and stop us from being all that the Lord has destined for us to be. Beware of distractions; it is the greatest enemy on our journey to empowerment. The devil always generates distractions to block our access to authority and power; because he knows our empowerment in God’s kingdom demands our total focus and dedication. When Elisha embarked on the journey with Elijah, he encountered three significant levels of distractions that would have made him miss the double portion of the anointing. But he overcame and stepped into the shoes of Elijah(2 Kings 2:1-14).
Beloved, the energy you need to make progress, do not use it to make enemies. The truth is, in life, people are doing one thing or the other: while some are making an impact and progress, others are making mistakes and enemies. The question is, what are you doing in life? Be determined that nothing and no one shifts your focus from God, the Word of God, and your assignment in life, avoiding distractions and distractors like a plague. Today, be more focused on the bigger picture, and you need to be able to recognize the things that tend to get you off track in your Christian walk. Keep your focus on the Lord amidst all the trials, temptations, and various obstacles in your life. Keep your focus on Jesus, keep your eyes on the prize, and don’t be distracted by life situations. Jesus is the one who never fails, has no limits, and can never be dethroned. As He leads, be ready to step out of the boat with faith and your eyes on Him, and you can walk on your water. Seek the things above and not earthly things that will end you in hell. You have to make up your mind and be more determined to be what God has called you to do. Remember, anytime you take a bold step of faith in your life, the devil will bring distractions to take away your focus on the prize.
O Lord, deliver me from the distractions of life. Help me not to lose focus on You, Your Word, and in life, in Jesus’ Name.