Minor Distractions

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (Proverbs 4:25-27, NLT)

I took Bo, our dog, running this morning. Bo really, really likes cats. But not in the agape sense. 

As we were walking down the traffic side of the side walk at CPR (our store, Central Pacific Rebuilders), he became distracted by a cat. He ran out in the middle of Nimitz. For those of you who do not know, Central Pacific Rebuilders sits at the corner of Nimitz and Mokauea, which is a very busy intersection in Honolulu.

Thankfully, the light was red and there currently was no vehicles coming his direction; however, there was a huge truck at the red light waiting for a green light. Behind the large truck was a line of cars and trucks, bumper to bumper, three lanes of traffic.

As you can imagine, the cat was a minor distraction compared to the large truck and line of traffic waiting for a green light. Thankfully, I was able to get his attention and get him off the road before the light turned green. 

Deep cleansing breath.

Immediately, well immediately after my deep cleansing breath, it occurred to me how critical it is for us not to be distracted with anything and maintain our focus on everything God has called us to do. Oftentimes, the enemy will throw a "cat" in front of us distracting us from the "large truck, line of cars, bumper to bumper, and three lanes of traffic" that is headed our way. (1 Peter 5:8)

As we seek first Him first kingdom (Matthew 6:33) we can insure we never get distracted!

Thank God for those who He has placed in our lives, standing on the "sidewalk', praying for us, screaming our name, and calling us back before the truck gets the green light.

Are you distracted by a "cat"? Refocus right now and stay on a straight path!

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I refocus my life right now and release all distraction. Please forgive me for focusing on distraction instead of mediating on You, Your life giving Word, and Your unfailing love. Thank You for gently bringing me back to the path You have set before me. You are good and Your unfailing love and mercy endures forever! Thank You for loving me enough to guide me straight back to You and every good work You have called me to do! I love You Lord! I am grateful for Your and Your call on my life. Thank You for equipping me!

The Race

Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

My girls are on swim team this year and my whole family is very excited! There is just something about competitive sports! Even as I write this, I am filled with excited expectation of watching my girls compete! Today, Kohala...tomorrow Olympic Gold!

We are learning so much about competitive swimming. Swimming and breathing techniques are mastered. There is a specific swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles that each swimmer dons during races that deter drag. All jewelry is removed. There is much chatter regarding focus. 

During a recent practice race, I observed one of my girls lose her race because she was completely focused on the distractions around her instead of the finish line. Initially, she was ahead in the race but as she became more and more distracted by her surroundings, she grew further and further behind in the race. First she looked at her competitor, then as her team mates started to encourage her to swim faster, she looked at them. I walked to the front of the crowd to video her and she as soon as she saw me, she raised her head out of the water. All distractions that deterred her from winning her race.

During her race she only looked at the finish line at the beginning of the race. Once the race started she kept her eyes on all the distractions. She was a little disappointed but as soon as I showed her the video, she agreed, in order to win future races she has to focus on the finish line. 

After our discussion, God gently spoke to my spirit. Many times, I had shifted focus in my race of faith. I had forgotten I am surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses. I failed to strip off every weight so I had been pulled down. God lovingly reminds me to run with endurance the race He has set before me. He reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus who is my champion! The author and the finisher of my faith! 

Are you focused on distractions?  Refocus today!


Look to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith  and its Finisher!