Distractions are Plentiful Keep Your Focus – From the Edges Devotions

From the Edges – Morning Devotions

Pastor Calvin Cook – June 12, 2024

Keeping Focused

Scripture focus – Nehemiah 9:19-21 “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. 21 For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.

I realize we are all going through something. I realize there are days that the battle seems great, and no victory is in sight because of focusing on the loss that is all around us. I also realize, sometimes we get distracted, and the focus falls on our own agenda and not on the plans that God has for my life. Unfortunately, this bleeds into those around me. One of the virtues of being a leader is to lead in a direction that will be bring glory to God. If you are asking is this scriptural, I just have to tell you read the Bible and you will see the answer to that question.

Nehemiah 9 is great in instruction, focus, and moving in the direction that God’s spirit, the Holy Spirit guides. There is a great reminder that through the Spirit and the leaders such as Moses and others that the Israelites were not only being freed from captivity but being guided in their life to a promised place that had been prepared for them. Yet, they were quick to grumble, be distracted by false gods, listen to the loudest voice, and receive promises that would never be fulfilled. In the midst of everything there was God, providing not only for their daily physical needs, but guidance and direction and care for their soul to save them from sinking further in despair.

I encourage you to read Nehemiah 9 and see for yourself all the distractions. While you read think of the ways that you are distracted and how you will combat those distractions. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and be renewed in a way that helps you to keep your focus on God. Read about the ways deliverance was being provided and look into your own life to experience the deliverance that is right there for you to receive. It really is up to you! It really is up to you! God is working, moving, and being – it really is up to you to receive. Keep your focus and you will make it through.