How the Enemy Distracts Us and How to Overcome It
If the enemy can’t destroy you he will distract you. His goal is simple, He comes to steal, kill and destroy. You see, our adversary is predictable and uses the same old tricks time and time again. It is up to us to stay alert so that we won't fall prey to the enemy.The purpose of distractions are to get you out of God’s will. The enemy wants you so preoccupied with your situation that you take your eyes off of God. Focusing on your situation will make it seem like it’s bigger than God, but it’s not. God is greater than anything we could be up against.
How does the enemy use distraction?
He us distracts with words and with actions. Understand that when the enemy speaks it’s always a lie! There is no truth in him as he is the father of lies (John 8:44). You can discern his voice because it plants seeds of fear and doubt. He’ll use anything: past wounds, idols in your life, social media, good god-given desires (such as the desire to be married), and even your friends.
Related Post: Deliverance from Distraction
If we fall for the distractions then we will become ineffective in our faith. You have a unique purpose, but the enemy doesn’t want you to live it out. He’ll use social media to get you focused on how much attention someone else is getting so you’ll pursue popularity instead of purpose.Our adversary will send “friends” into your life who are fun to be around but discourage you from walking in obedience. Realize that not all distractions are negative or troubling. Some look like answered prayers, like a man who is seemingly everything you want. That’s why it’s crucial to use discernment. All that glitters ain't God.So what do we do? How do we avoid these pitfalls?
1) Expect the attack
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5 that the devil is looking for someone to devour, but many of us are still caught off guard when the attack and distractions comes. We have to expect that we will be attacked. We may not know how or when, but we can make an educated guess. Lions are fierce predators that isolate and attack a weaker or slower individual.Since lions prey on the weak we can bet the enemy will attack us in areas where we are weak. You know what your struggles are, so take time to find out what God’s Word says about those areas in your life and memorize those scriptures. When the enemy comes to plant doubt and fear, be ready to talk back to Him with TRUTH! Throw it in his face! When you feel weak remember that God’s power is made perfect weakness (2 Cor 12:10). God is with you, so stand up and don’t be afraid.
2) Walk in my God-given authority
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. - Luke 10:19
Jesus has given us authority over ALL the power the enemy. The enemy knows his time and power is limited, and that you can overcome him. As a follower of Jesus, the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in YOU! There’s no need to run scared when he attacks; stand firm. He’s attacking out of fear, not authority. Take time to study spiritual warfare. Read Ephesians 6 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. Once you understand that you’re the victor, it will change the way you view your circumstances and the way you combat attacks.
3) Stay close to the Shepard
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
Shepherds care for their sheep. They lead them to food, guide them away from danger, and protect them from attacks. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Stay close to Him. When we are under attack by distraction and afraid, our first instinct is to protect ourselves and run. But isolation is the worst thing you can do. Train yourself to run to the shepherd at all time, but especially when attacks come. That’s where the protection is. Jesus laid down His life for us. We can trust Him because He’s proven His love for us.