2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) serves as a constant reminder of where our focus should lie. It urges us: “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” As believers, our lives should buzz with purpose, juggling responsibilities while keeping our eyes fixed on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s easy to get caught up in the tangible world that we can touch and see, but it’s crucial to recognize the deception of satan and not allow him to trick our perception. We must see past the illusion. 2 Corinthians 4:18 informs us that the spiritual realm is the real deal. It’s permanence and significance are far more real than the world that our eyes see. So instead of letting life’s distractions consume us, let’s lock into God’s heavenly perspective and live abundantly through Christ.
In John 16:33 (NLT), Jesus Christ made it plain to the disciples, including us, that life isn’t as simple as a bowl of cherries: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Life presents its share of challenges and obligations, and most of us have experienced this, but as believers and because of Christ, we can overcome anything the devil throws our way. God’s Will is that we closely walk with Him so that He can carry the load of our burdens and then teach us to move through every situation of life with His grace, love, and strength. We must also understand that as we progress spiritually, and even if we don’t, the pace of life doesn’t slow down for us. Instead, it becomes more dynamic, keeping our faith muscle strong, and making it flexible and pliable to God’s Will.
Luke 12:48 (NLT) illustrates this. Jesus Christ said: “But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” This is not a random occurrence that our Lord and Savior is pointing out to us; it’s God’s law: the greater our blessings, the weightier our spiritual responsibilities become. So, if we’re too lax and distracted to understand what God requires of His children, life will outpace us.
Many believers miss the blessings that God has for them this way. They’re so focused on other things that they don’t even see the opportunities that are designed to strategically position them for blessings. But the essence of our journey on this earth is not about how many blessings we receive. It lies in prioritizing God’s agenda above our own, and He rewards us when we do this. Our Master Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:33 (NLT): “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” God is our Provider, there’s no question about it, but it is our responsibility to seek Him in faith first and foremost. None of us can afford to be distracted from this central truth.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT) offers us more comfort, assuring us that God’s got our back. It states: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Our Heavenly Father will supply all your needs, because He promises this in His Word, but our faith in Him is key. He requires that we are steadfast and unmovable when it comes to our reliance on Him. This is what unlocks these blessings.
When life’s noise distracts us from God’s agenda, we miss out on His best for us. He deserves to be front and center in our lives, involved in every part. So, let’s remember to always keep our priorities locked on our Heavenly Father and the things of His Kingdom. As we ground ourselves in Him by following the example of Christ, we will have unwavering faith. And not only this, we’ll also possess the spiritual strength to handle His blessings while we masterfully navigate the twists and turns of life. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Distractions of Life”, written for Walk in the Light Outreach ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!
