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Distractions

Andrea Lende • July 24, 2022

Hebrews 12:2

Distractions

 

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Distractions-e1lkvbh

 

Hebrews 12:2

 

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right had of the throne of God.

 

 

Faith is fascinating.

 

We can’t touch or see it.

 

We can only feel it.

 

Sometimes we feel strong in our faith.

 

Other times, the feeling is slight and faint.

 

Our verse gives us a clue about how to be strong in faith.

 

One thing we are to do is clear away the distractions from our lives.

 

There are so many distractions in our modern-day world.

 

We are inundated with the pressures of work, or the lack of it.

 

Our responsibilities, from raising children to caring for elderly parents, keep us busy.

 

Taking care of our belongings, homes, lawns, and cars uses much of our spare time.

 

And then the entertainment we engage in takes most of the remaining time we have left.

 

The list of distractions and responsibilities is endless.

 

However, the writer of Hebrews tells us to look to Jesus.

 

Keep our eyes fixed on Him.

 

Yes, there are distractions, and we have many responsibilities, but we can be more intentional about putting God first.

 

I don’t always put Him first.

 

And when I don’t, I fall short, feel guilty, and then shame follows me around like a little puppy until I find His grace.

 

It’s always there.

 

I just don’t always reach for it.

 

Distractions and responsibilities are unavoidable, or our writer wouldn’t have had a need to write about them.

                                                                                                                     

However, we can try our best to be intentional about putting God first.

 

Today I pray the Lord will increase my faith in Him so I will reach for Him instead of the distractions of the world.

 

May you find the Lord will increase your faith and draw you to Himself so you can experience Him in powerful and magnificent ways.

 

 

Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, my God, thank You for Your Word that tells us to turn away from the distractions of the world and look to Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Son to this earth to sacrifice Himself for us so He could be the Finisher of our faith. Thank you that He is continually at work bringing our faith to full maturity. He helps us grow in faith until our faith brings us worshipfully before You. Help us ignore the distractions that keep us from You, Father. Help us seek You first. Help us seek You, always. Keep us at Your feet. Keep our hearts Yours for all eternity. May we serve You this and every day. Help us bless someone today. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

 

Answer: I AM the Great I AM, and your faith is made complete through your belief in My Son.

Response: Increase our faith and belief in You, Almighty God and Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


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