by Brenda Black
In this world, there are many opportunities to become distracted. So many things want our attention. Whether it is money problems, relationship problems, health issues or any other assortment of “issues”, distractions are available to all and they come in all shapes and sizes. Not all distractions are negative, some come wrapped in pretty packages, say money, for instance, fame, promotion or power. Did you know that it is okay to have money, fame, and power? As God’s children we are called to be the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, are we not? Unfortunately, we’ve seen many instances in the history of the world where men and woman allowed these blessings to become distractions and overtake their lives. If we are not careful, distractions can actually become idols in our lives. If we allow distractions to become bigger than our God, we are treading on dangerous ground.
So how do we not allow positive or negative things overtake us?
We have to be diligent.
We have to be intentional.
We have to maintain our peace.
Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Another translation says it this way: “My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful.”
There are no strings attached to the gifts God gives us. The world gives us things based on our performance or what it can get from us. God doesn’t do that. He gives us gifts based on nothing but His goodness. We deserve nothing from Him, but He blesses us anyway. He is so good.
God knew there would be instances where we would be tempted to be fearful and full of anxiety so He gave us a way to combat those feelings and thoughts. He gave us peace. How is it possible to have peace in the midst of a crisis? Consider nature. Did you know that in the eye (or center) of a hurricane, the winds are so light and variable they become almost calm as you approach it? Strange. Something so massive, so devastating, so chaotic can have such peace in the midst of it.
When we face a crisis or stressful, fearful times in our lives, we need to get centered on Christ. It’s not the time to run and hide in fear, doubt, and hopelessness. No. Those emotions are put there for one reason – to get us distracted. So distracted that we lean on our own knowledge or perception or false beliefs about the situation and our future, instead of trusting in and leaning on the one who knows exactly what is going on, why it’s been allowed, and what will happen when all is said and done. Do not give up hope. Do not run from God. Cling to Him. Pray. Speak the Word of God over your situation. If you are at a point in your life where you have very little strength, have someone else pray for you. That’s what the body of Christ is supposed to be doing.
Distractions are not fact or a sure outcome. They are put there to get us off course and to steer our focus off of God and onto our circumstances. Live in the legacy Christ gave you. Maintain your peace.