Distractions in our lives can frequently cloud our vision, preventing us from acknowledging the daily loaded benefits and blessings the Lord has laid out for us.
But, thanks be to God Who is rich in mercy and abounding in love that His Word always reminds us that there are ways and means to rise above what hinders our ability to perceive His goodness.
Every morning, I pray for the Holy Spirit to open my eyes and show me all that the Lord has prepared for my day. And just recently, I came across this Scripture that backs up my simple prayer and made it powerful.
Psalm 119:18 (ESV) “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”
Knowing this truth changed my perspective, strengthened my faith and boosted my confidence. There are so many treasures hidden in His Word that are just waiting for us to discover, explore, experience and enjoy, thus, His continuous invitation for us to come into His presence are to be eagerly responded and pursued.
When I attended the Ladies Conference a month ago, I came to learn one way of how a distraction can interrupt the flow of God’s presence in our lives. It did not come spelled out as a distraction but in such a subtle disguise.
Being surrounded by the Generals of Faith in that conference, I surely wanted to have at least a photograph with them.
Though I had many chances to request a photograph on the first day, the environment was so charged with His presence that doing so felt irreverent. My sense of honor and respect for them simply wouldn’t allow it. To be in the room saturated with holiness was more than what a photo can capture.
This one example did not seem to be a distraction to me at first, but as the hours went by, it did somehow draw away my attention and affection from what was supposedly my main focus, to receive what was spoken, taught and imparted.
Because I was used to having photographs taken with Conference Speakers in the past, I struggled to brush off the idea that night. But, with His grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, He enabled me to lay down my desire and take up what His is, and His peace amazingly enveloped me with unspeakable joy.
On the second day, a wonderful surprise came my way. Everyone from the Worship Training School was invited to join the choir for the Ladies Conference. I hesitated at first, unfamiliar with the songs, but a few fellow attendees encouraged me to embrace such an honor, privilege and unique opportunity in which I am so grateful to them. The moment the musical director struck the piano keys, my heart overflowed with such joy that I found the courage and confidence to step forward and join the choir.
Truly, the Lord’s ways and thoughts are higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9), and His plans far exceed what I could have imagined. I would have been content with a simple photograph, but by joining the choir, He opened the door for me to be part of the live stream alongside these generals of faith.
A still small voice bubbled up from the inside of me … “Your plan, a photograph, but My plan, a video (livestream).”
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)
A desire birthed by the Author of Life blossoms into a tree of life. It provides a reservoir of hope, courage, and strength we can continually draw from, affirming that the miracles, signs and wonders He has performed, He is capable of doing again and again, in ways that defy our comprehension.”
To be in one frame worshipping the King of kings and the Lord of lords is His plan for me and it is never by my own might nor by my own power, but by the Spirit of God. All glory to Him Whose ways, thoughts and plans are perfect and perfectly executed.
Lesson learned … Do not be distracted! Stay focused and steadfast. Always pursue the Lord’s direction and guidance, refusing to be swayed to the right or the left by trivial, personal desires. His plans are beyond comprehension, and they will truly exceed our wildest expectations.
“My son, give attention to My words;
Incline your ear to My sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20-22)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful things that You have completed, prepared and made ready for us to show up with our faith to partake. Having You as our Father Who is so mindful of us and our desires always warms our hearts with Your love and compassion. Thank You, Jesus, for being our Forerunner Who goes before us, Who is The Way, The Truth and The Life. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for always helping us and guiding our every step. You know ALL things and You make them known to us as You open our eyes to see and behold the wondrous things that come out of the spoken Word. Amen!
