“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Petty Distractions

Walk His Way Revisited

You’ve probably heard the expression when you’ve gotten sidetracked, “I got distracted by shiny objects.”

I recently had a sudden change of circumstances, which I allowed to get me “off course.” I was being challenged by the need to be a servant in my own home a little more than usual which was going on a little longer than what I thought was fair or necessary. It didn’t take long before I started to spiral down into a “blue funk” of discontent, leading to self-pity, self-centeredness, and resentment, and I was becoming more and more critical. I totally lost sight of the “big picture” of who I am in Christ and how I am to live to please and honor Him.

In the past I would lash out with unkind and hurtful words, which would continue the downward spiral into a deeper depressed state, eventually hating myself for it.

As I cried out to God, He helped me keep those hurtful words (that were in my thoughts and just under my breath) until I realized what was really going on: spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). I was allowing the enemy and hater of my soul to distract me with my own fleshly feelings and pettiness.

Jesus told His disciples to “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Like those disciples, we can also “fall asleep” from our own weariness. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Our enemy cannot take away our salvation, but we can allow him to make us victims instead of victors! 

My life is indeed blessed and I am truly thankful. I have no reason whatsoever to complain or be discontent. I need to see the bigger picture. When I am able to see with an eternal perspective all the many injustices in our world—the persecuted church, human trafficking, our nation’s moral decline, etc.—I have a whole lot more to be about than my little “hangnail!” 

Father, even though there are many serious things to pray and be about for Your kingdom’s sake, I’m grateful that You care about my little “hangnails” as well. Nothing is too small or too big for You. Help me to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Amen!