Focusing Forward: Recognizing and Overcoming DistractionSample

Over the years I have accomplished many amazing things. But I believe they are still minimal in comparison to what I know I could have accomplished had I not let every little life-altering event (that God proved to have under control time and time again) distract me. I can’t tell you how many times I have talked with my husband or best friend about something going seemingly wrong in the midst of me working on an important task or project, and either my husband or my best friend would remind me, “Rachel, you are getting distracted. Stay focused”—especially in the last year.

My three greatest distractions always seemed to be situations, people, and enemies. Some of the challenges I encountered were life-altering at times, and other times purely distractions. Some distractions were people who I once considered friends but whose motives were later revealed, and I had to determine how to move forward regarding the relationship. More obvious distractions were enemies who were working against my assignment as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and child of God.

It was in dealing with these diverse distractions that I began to understand the value of focus and to see the impact of losing it.

Distractions are constantly pulling for our attention, time, emotions, and focus. I have certainly not perfected the art of not being distracted, but I am learning to become more aware of ways I get distracted so that I can begin to overcome distractions much more quickly—things such as sudden unexpected news, social media, an unclean house, last-minute changes, and more. These things tend to move me from a place of peace to overwhelmed, and when that happens, I lose focus.

It is then that I have to be reminded that God is in control, so I don’t have to be. I can focus on what He is requiring of me right in that moment rather than the distraction. Sometimes I am able to refocus myself, and other times I need help from people who truly love me and will walk with me through the process of refocusing. That doesn’t mean I am not strong. It means I know how to lean into heaven’s resources and relationships when needed.

In this season what areas are distracting you most?