Avoiding Distractions

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”- Proverbs 4:25-27

 

          There are distractions aplenty in this life. For those who are easily distracted, like me, it can be a challenge. As Christians we are called to fix our gaze upon our Lord and not on the circus side shows that litter the side of the road we’re on. A perfect scriptural example of this is found in the gospels. Matthew, Mark and John chronicled the event*. Jesus had asked His disciples to go before Him by boat to the other side while He dispersed the crowd He had just been teaching. Shortly after, the disciples saw what appeared to be a ghost walking towards them on the water and they were afraid. Peter said to Jesus, “if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus told him to come and Peter climbed out of the boat onto the water. As long as his gaze was upon Jesus and not the circumstances that surrounded him, he was fine; however, the winds and waves about him distracted him to the point that he lost his focus and began to sink. This tells us three very important things; 1) if we keep our gaze focused on God we will succeed in all we do, in spite of the circumstances; 3) if we succumb to the winds and waves of life that will without question buffet us about, we will sink; and 3) if Jesus tells us to do something, He is more than able to make it happen for us. We can know in all situations that Christ is there to save us just as He was for Peter as He lifted him out of the water and into the boat immediately. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

*Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21.