Distractions
“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” (Acts 16:16-18)
Today’s Morsel: In today’s world, the enemy is using many distractions to get us off track from accomplishing God’s purpose in our lives. Things such as political division, murder, suicide, discouragement, stress, sickness, and attacks on churches and religion. These are all disruptions to take our focus off God. The woman in today’s passage was correct. Paul and his companions were there for one purpose, and that was to make Jesus known and to bring salvation to the people. But her actions and daily proclamation proved to be only entertainment and a show to disrupt God’s purpose and plan, and to make the people think that it was all a joke. Paul recognized the enemy’s goal and cast him out of her. Thus creating more disruption in the city which caused them much hurt. They were beaten and cast into prison, but God’s purpose was still done. As Christians, we ought not to think that distractions will not come. As Simon Peter admonished: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4) He continues: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13) Jude admonished: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:3-4); “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” (Jude 1:9); “These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:16-23)
Stay focused, as the enemy of your soul is out as a roaring lion, not only to seek whom he may devour, but also to distract you from God’s purpose in your life.
Sing: I’m gonna make it, He’s already said that I would, I’ll keep on trusting, because I know He’s working all things for my good; He goes before me, and heaven is in my view, and I’m gonna make it through.
Thought For Today: “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (Daniel 11:32)
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