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April 2, 2010

Detours, Ditches and Distractions

As we run the race to live a life pleasing to God, to accomplish his will in our lives, know that the enemy too is running. He’s running to and fro seeking whom he can devour. I don’t like to give him a lot of attention, but as soldiers in God’s army, we must know that any good strategy incorporates knowing your enemy. Let us not be ignorant of his devices (strategies). Using deception, he presents detours, ditches and distractions to divert us from the race.

God checked me today! “What are you doing?” Right in the middle of praise and worship, He asked me why was I giving in to a situation that wasn’t consistent with what He had told me. Why have I been allowing myself to get… distracted? The Spirit said you have been in this race for far too long to stop or switch up just short of your blessing. Though it tarry, His promise will surely come to pass. Don’t stop, shift or settle! It’s only a diversion.

That key word sent up red flags. Immediately, I recognized this as one of the enemy’s schemes. He uses people and situations to deceive us. He tries to divert us with detours, ditches and distractions, hoping we’ll get off track, knowing we bring glory to God when His promises are fulfilled in our lives. Deception is trickery; fraud. It is making things “appear” differently. It is FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) if we fall prey to it. But the devil is a lie! We walk by faith and not by sight. Let the enemy’s plots be exposed as we continue in the race!

Detours: A different route. Perhaps, we don’t see how God is going to fulfill the promise. So, the enemy presents a detour, that is “seemingly” the only possible route. However, by faith, we know there is no roadblock ahead. Have you ever thought that if I just turn here, if I just do it “this” way, I can make it happen? Are you tempted to “assist” God like Sarah? She thought she would help God out in by giving Hagai to Abraham. Lord knows, He doesn’t need our help in determining the way. He just wants us to follow His way. The detour is only a diversion.


Ditches: Illusions of a pitfall. Do you think you lack some “thing” that leaves a hole in God’s plan for your life? It may “appear” that if we keep moving forward without it, we will fall. We may fail. People tell us that it’s impossible for us to achieve our goals. We know with God that all things are possible. He equips us with everything we need. We are not lacking anything, not even within ourselves. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12-13) The ditch is only an illusion… when you see it… JUMP!


Distractions: Wandering off course. Maybe this is my personal issue, but by far one of the most frequently used diversion against me. I can be running the race, got a good stride going, then… BOOM! Out of no where something “appears” attractive. Hmmm... Maybe this is God? It looks good, sounds good, but my spirit tells me otherwise. Know that the enemy knows our weaknesses, as well as our desires, even the things we pray for out loud to God. He can present decoys, that “appear” to be the real thing, but surely after time, you will know it. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (Prov. 10:22) It seems like distractions are running rampant about me lately, so Hallelujah! My blessing must be near!

Surely, the enemy can present to us detours, ditches and distractions. However, it is only through our own doing that they will become a hindrance. If we respond in fear, with lust or other selfish desires, we fall prey to the diversion and get off track. By faith and obedience, we stay on course. Be encouraged my sisters and brothers… Praise God! For He is able to keep us from falling!

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ~Jude 1:24-25

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