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   Oct. - Dec. 2010
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Distractions
Shanick Moore is a mother, Minister in Training, author, empowerment speaker, Christian Life Coach, national leader, and entrepreneur. She is also the National Program Coordinator with Project Single Moms. www.projectsinglemoms.com

Distractions are defined as a thing that distracts, divides the attention, and prevents concentration or something which amuses, entertains, or diverts.

There is so much going on in our lives that it has become hard to stay focused. It has become hard to stay on track, on task, and on purpose. Many of the things that distract us are out of our control. Such as, the economy and lack of employment or cost of living increase, but no increase in income.
Living with no health insurance and not knowing the future of our children's education with so many schools closing and teacher layoffs are all valid distractions. How about the loss of friends and family members; which seems to be happening on a regular basis. Then the car breaks down, the kids get sick, you're working in a hostile environment, problems in the marriage or relationship, we can go on and on. These are things that happen to us daily and it seems as if there is not much we can do about it, but deal.

Let us talk about the distractions that we can control. Going shopping to satisfy a temporary emotional fix instead of saving money to get out of debt, watching television instead of reading the Bible or other education tools to strengthen our knowledge, entertaining a relationship that you know is not good for you instead of waiting for what God has for you. Unhealthy living, poor steward over money, vision, dreams, and goals not pursued. Again, we can go on and on.

One thing about distractions that stuck out to me was that it can be negative things out of our control, but it can also be very nice, pleasant, feel good things that we are in complete control of that can take us off course.

We have to stop and really consider how we are using the time that God has given us. How are we using the time that Christ died to make sure we have? We have to take a moment and step outside and take a clear assessment of what we're doing. If we are not living to fulfill the purpose that God predestined for us and Christ died to make sure we completed, then why live? That sounds drastic, but it is clear and to the point. Why be here breathing, living, enjoying life, if you are not diligently working toward reaching your full potential in Christ. Of course, it goes back to relationship but many of us have a personal relationship with Christ. Saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit and still out of position. We are not living and moving toward reaching our goal of fulfilling our purposes. At times it is a painful process to recognize and admit that we are living outside of the will of God. When God says yes and our actions are No; then yes, we are outside of the will of God. Then we must ask; does God still have use of us? I'm so serious about this.
We can no longer be distracted. We have to be so connected with the Father that we can see the enemy, his schemes, and tricks before it gets to us. We have to be ready to fight principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age,and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. We can not get distracted by the things out of our control and things that are in our control. No matter how much it hurts, or how much it feels good we have to stay on course. Ephesians 6:12 Think about it, it is impossible be distracted from nothing. Meaning, we all have something to do. The Bible says for I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God has strategically placed the tools, abilities, and gifts in each of us to fulfill the assignment specifically designed for us.A hope and future sounds favorable to me. Jeremiah 29:11

Let's no longer assist the enemy with killing, stealing, and destroying our hopes, dreams, families, and future. The Lord came so that we can live life more abundantly. We have to recognize who we are, know what it truly means to be a child of God, and activate the power that resides in us to make the impossible happen. John 10:10

When distractions come, please know that God does not allow anything to fall on us that we can not overcome. In the story of Job, the word says that God instructed the enemy of what he could do, and what he could not do. God is always in control, covering and protecting us from the things that will be too overwhelming and take us out. Job 1:12

He only allows things to happen that will take you to the next level in him. So get excited, yes I said excited, because if trouble comes, then know it is a major blessing following. The word says rejoice when we run into problems and trials for we know that they help develop endurance, endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. This hope will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5: 3-5

So it's time to get back on track if we have fallen off. If we don't know our purpose or design, seek Christ like never before to get those answers. Renew, refresh, and revitalize your relationship with the Lord everyday. This is essential to being in the right place at the right time for God to use you for his glory. Someone's life is attached to you fulfilling your purpose. Surround yourself with the right people, make the word alive, and get involved in ministry, serve, and fall madly in love with King Jesus. Use the time you have here working toward the ultimate goal. That's hearing the Father say well done, my good and faithful servant. What else matters?

No More Distractions


It's Time to Master Kingdom Living, so that we can do True Kingdom Building.

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