By“Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” — Matthew 16:22 - 23 NKJV
The enemy of focus is distraction. Where there is vision, the discipline to follow that vision, especially as a leader, comes naturally. However, the enemy is still working hard to make visionary people stray off God’s providential way for their lives. He tried it on Jesus using Peter. And I pray you’ll not fall for it too.
Jesus knew that God sent Him to die for the sin of humanity. But the devil, taking advantage of Peter’s compassion and love for Jesus, tempted Him not to die.
Jesus, looking straight into Peter’s eyes, discerned fast that everything Peter said was out of demonic oppression by Satan himself. He understood that Peter wasn’t the problem but the devil. Hence, He proceeded to silence the distractor – Satan, by calling him by name.
The enemy of focus is distraction. Where there is vision, the discipline to follow that vision, especially as a leader, comes naturally.
Sometimes, the people in our circle don’t have to be blamed for every wrong attitude they show. Some of these actions are demonic and must be addressed by prayer and deliverance. Other times, it could be a character flaw built in due to childhood trauma or parental neglect. Whichever it is, be vigilant to discern it spiritually.
As a leader raising other leaders, remember that the words of your team members have an enormous impact on your decisions. You must seek what’s best to do and regulate every decision according to God’s blueprint for your vision.
Jesus worked with imperfect people. And no human is perfect. So look out for weaknesses in each person you work with in order to train them in the ways of God to subdue those weaknesses. Discern it when the devil uses them to ward you off focus as you build on God’s mandate bestowed upon you and address the distraction immediately.
Remember that a distraction is a bait for wrong direction and time usage. You can’t avoid it, but you can stop it from influencing your life when it comes.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
God, help me to recognise distractions in my journey with You. Give me the Word I need to conquer them so that I’ll not stray off Your providential way. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 078
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