DISTRACTED

I received an email this morning via Christine Caine's email devotional subscription, First Things First. I was immediately inspired, convicted, and curious about what I read. Short and sweet, it struck a cord within me.
​
"Extraordinary results in the Kingdom of God are rarely happenstance; they're a direct result of the daily choices we make and actions we take. This is why we must determine to stay ... focused on the task God has given to us. Today, follow through on what God has called you to do!" (1) -Chris Caine 

How true are those words? Often, we seek God out and request to know His will for our lives. We want some glimpse into our calling, some vision of our destiny. God, being the faithful God that He is (Matthew 7:7) often does reveal parts of His plans for our lives to us. While we don't always need to know every detail of the journeys we have ahead of us (because really, how boring would that be!?), he will always reveal to us at least what we need for TODAY (even if that's just the literal NEXT STEP you need to take.) 

The problem is, oh how we are a generation SO easily distracted. I mean, who can blame us, really? There are ALWAYS texts to respond to, calls to be made, bills to be paid, meals to be prepped, children to care for, work to be done, meetings to attend, to do lists to be checked off. Not only this, but there are also often shows to be watched, games to be played, dates to go on, shoes to be purchased, etc etc. We are a generation of people living in a very FULL FULL world.

So... how do we stay focused? I LOVE what Christine says about this. She says that Extraordinary results (you know, the ones that make you say WOW! The really extraordinary ministries like Proverbs 31 and Harvest Crusades and The A21 Campagin) don't just HAPPEN. Instead, they are RESULTS- the direct effects of SOMEONE's dedication, hard work, and daily actions. 

How simple is this concept, yet so taxing to remember? No matter what you feel that God has called you to do, that's just it! You have to just DO IT (Thanks, Nike). That means put your distractions (ahem, smart phones) aside and do WHATEVER God has asked you to do. 

I don't know about you, but for me, that often means unplugging from social media, forgetting about my fashion choices for a moment, and taking my eyes off of potential suitors (lol) and FIXING THEM ON JESUS. 

Because, really, that's what it's all about. Fixing our eyes on JESUS, soaking up His word, seeking His will, and then obediently acting upon whatever it is He asks us to do. Maybe, for you, that means to invest more into your family or loved ones. Maybe it means getting planted in a church. Maybe it means volunteering with that ministry. Writing those God inspired words? Using your voice to glorify God? Taking care of your body? Reading that book he's been nudging you to open? Visiting with a lonely neighbor? Sharing the gospel with a coworker? Changing your own attitudes and perspectives?

Whatever dreams God has given you, know that you won't just wake up one day to the life that you are dreaming of. You have to set goals, break those goals down into action steps, and then set out on the road to achieving them! If it is God's will, He will ALWAYS make a way. You just have to do your part in obedience, all distractions aside. 

​"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14 KJV

​1. Caine, Christine. "Follow Through." First Things First. Christine Caine, 24 May 2016. Web. 24 May 2016.