Open Heavens September 26, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 64-66

MANAGING DISTRACTIONS

MEMORIZE: "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me" (Matthew 14:30)

READ: Matthew 14:24-33

Loving God absolutely is necessary for mountain climbers even when it costs what you love most. Matthew 10:37 says your claim to love God is void if someone or something either ranks number one, or you could compromise God’s Word for the fellow. To climb to the mountain top, you must love God supremely - without reservations. God wants you on the mountain top because that is the location for victors. The flesh is however standing between most Christians and their expected positions on the mountain top. If you have to go higher, some fat has to go. To climb a mountain, you have to be slim. You have to fast often and not wait until a problem comes. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 says your body must be kept in check. You will have to sleep less so that you can stay awake to pray all night. Even when your colleagues and neighbors are snoring, you should be tarrying in God’s presence.

Another requirement in the process of climbing the mountain is to maintain focus. If you take off your focus from your original goal, it is doubtful if you will arrive at such a goal (Luke 9:61-62). When Jesus met the disciples caught up in the waves at mid-sea, Peter’s goal was to walk on water. He wanted to feel what it was like to have the sea solidify under your feet. But when he looked away, the frozen water melted and he began to sink. Once you have set your goal, focus on it and continue to strive towards it, until you get there. Although there are so many distractions, refuse to be distracted. Anyone who is easily distracted may never make it to his destination.

The story was told of a young king who through the bad advice of his inexperienced counselors was defeated by an older king and taken captive. His captor in an attempt to put him to test, gave him a glass cup full of water and asked him walk a distance without spilling the water. On one side of the divide were people singing his praise, while on the other side were people jeering at him. When he successfully performed the assignment, the older king asked him which of the people helped him the most - those who praised him or those who mocked him. The young captive king replied that he was not aware of anyone on his right or left but concentrated on his goal. The older king thereafter released him and asked him to go and live by the wisdom he acquired from that test. If you want to reach your goal, do not listen to those criticizing or praising you. Stay focused. In addition, a mountain climber must endure difficulties like a good soldier ( 2 Tim 2:3) and continue to ask for the help of Jesus. But for His help, Peter would have drowned in the sea. The Lord is willing to help you get to your high places. Are you seeking His help?

ACTIONPOINT: Father, help me to shut my eyes and ears to every distraction and focus on you until I reach my goal.