Distraction

 

Distraction

Isaiah 43:1-5a

 But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. ² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ³ For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush^[a] and Seba in your stead. ⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. ⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

I recently read this scripture and was encouraged by the promises contained in the verses.  While I understand God was speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the children of Israel, the truth is still vital for believers today.  There are several points I want to mention. 

Point 1 ~ God promises His presence for His children.  In these verses God promises to be with those He loves.  He calls us to step away from the fear of our situations and the things we see around us.  He calls us back to a right relationship with Him. In fact, the verse says God loves His people so much that he will give people in exchange for them.  In other words, God will not allow others to destroy His people.  He will step in and defend them against whatever comes.

Point 2 ~ God promises to see you through your situations.  When we seek God to come to our rescue many, if not all of us, are looking for God to take the problems away.  Yet, these verses state that when we come to the water it will not sweep over us or the fire, it will not burn us.  These scripture reminds us that we will go through some difficulties, but we have the assurance from God that He will keep us from being consumed by our situations and our problems. 

Point 3 ~ God desires us to trust Him.  This point may not be so obvious but I see it in the telling of these verses.  God gives His assurance of His love.  He tells His children not to be afraid.  Fear generally keeps us immobile.  God desires us to be free from fear so that we can have our spiritual mobility.  What is that spiritual mobility?  That is the ability to move in the things of the Spirit.  It calls for us to trust God.  The enemy of our soul desires us to be held by fear (False Evidence Appearing Real).  This fear brings distractions that cause us to focus on the wrong things, instead of this truth that God will keep us no matter where we find ourselves.

As you go through your day, keep in mind that God does not want fear or distractions to keep you from having the spiritual mobility He created for each of us to operate in.  Look at the list below of how the enemy uses distractions and how we can overcome them.

Discouragement – Deuteronomy 3:18
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

 

Irritation - Colossians 1:10-12

¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[a] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

 

Sin - Psalm 41:3-5

³ The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. ⁴ I said, “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

 Troubles – John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

Rage – Proverbs 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Accusations - Psalm 38:19-21

¹⁹ Many have become my enemies without cause^[a]; those who hate me without reason are numerous. ²⁰ Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. ²¹ Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.

Calamity – 2 Chronicles 20:9
‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

Trials – James 1:2-4
[ Trials and Temptations ] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Irate people – Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

  

Overwhelming things - Psalm 65:2-4

² You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. ³ When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave^[a] our transgressions. ⁴ Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple.

Negative people (accusers) - Psalm 109:19-21

¹⁹ May it be like a cloak wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. ²⁰ May this be the Lord’s payment to my accusers, to those who speak evil of me. ²¹ But you, Sovereign Lord,
help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.

Prayer: Lord help us when faced with the many distractions that come our way to trust you for our way of escape.  Help us to live your Word in every situations and circumstances.  By your Spirit lead us and guide us. Amen.