In my first post on this, I set up the story in Nehemiah 6:1-13. And, as I mentioned in that post, spiritual warfare is REAL.
But, what does that look like for us practically?
Most of us are not going to go home and have to fist fight some kind of angel or demon in our closet. So, how does spiritual warfare affect us in our everyday lives?
Jesus said that Satan desires to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) ... and one way he seeks to do that is through DISTRACTIONS!
Take a look at Nehemiah 6:1-4. Here we see Nehemiah focusing on God’s plan for his life, and his enemy trying to pull him off the wall.
What I notice upon reading this text is the persistence of the enemy, how he never gives up trying to distract us.
What are some of the ways he does this today?
- You can’t get him or her out of your mind, you think about them constantly… the only problem is that you are married to someone else!!! Distraction!
- You have made an effort to get out of debt… but you saw your buddy's new truck and now you’ve GOT to have one too. Distraction!
- You know that receiving that promotion would mean a lot more money… but it would also require you to spend even more time away from your family. Distraction!
- Maybe you were in a relationship that you knew was not right so you ended it… and now you’re lonely. Then... your phone rings… it’s him/her… you know you shouldn’t but… Distraction!
- You know what the Bible says about forgiveness… but for some reason, you just can’t get out of your mind what they did to you. Distraction!
- You used to be a part of “that crowd” and pursued “that lifestyle,” but you know that isn’t what God wants from you anymore. Your old friends are pressuring you to “come back” and when you refuse, they say “you think you’re too good now!” Distraction!
We all face them… and they are all different… but the enemy will use whatever he can to take our eyes off of Jesus and put them on another person or problem.
There was a time not long ago that I HORRIBLE at this… my distraction was that I was worried about what people would think about me, my family, and Dream City Church…
I was worried about the opinion of others…
I was consumed with concern over the chatter that followed my unexpected dismissal where I served as pastor.
I was distracted with the idea that since what had happened to us was wrong, that it was my job to defend us against the lies, gossip, and slander others were throwing around town… when I should have been pursuing Christ.
Jesus corrected me on this early on before we started Dream City Church and by not paying attention to that junk, it has made a HUGE difference in me and I think it has made a big difference in Dream City Church!
We’ve all dealt with this! Is there ANYTHING that the enemy is using to take your eyes off Jesus right now? Worry? Stress? Doubt?
He’s good at it… and it’s one of his number one weapons.
As followers of Christ, we need to continually let him refuse to distract us... no matter what.
