distractions

2009 is almost over.  2010 is right around the corner.  December has been going on for a whole week already, in case you weren't aware.  I am trying to take some time this morning and make sure I know what I want to be doing with my time. 

This has been the most amazing year.  Really, the last month has been extraordinary.  Going to El Salvador has changed me on a deep level that I pray will last forever.  I have so many plans and ideas, and so many people have questions about what happens next.  I was excited. 

Then, Thanksgiving hit.  My folks came into town, which they do every year.  My mom and Traci spend the entire week in the kitchen cooking and baking, and they love it.  My dad spends the week fixing all kinds of things around my house that any normal man would know how to fix, but I'm not normal.  I follow him around handing him tools and getting him lemonade.  But then, on Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Traci got the flu.  It hit hard and fast, and she was in bed for five days.  That changed our plans and our life a little bit. 

Then, last week a couple of very intense ministry situations came up.  I felt sucker punched.  One situation in particular has me very concerned, and I am spending a lot of time in prayer about it.  I am worried that the world has such a hold on one of the members of the Turning Point and that he might not make it back.  I feel like I am understanding Paul's feelings when he said: When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut. (2 Cor 11:29 MSG) 

As I reflect on all of this, I realize how skillful the enemy is at using distractions to keep us from doing what God wants us to do. 

So, I started doing some meditating on a few quotes that help me to get refocused on what my purpose, goals and plans are.  Thought I would share them with you. 

You never become truly spiritual by
sitting down and wishing to become so.
You must undertake something so great
that you cannot accomplish it unaided.
- Phillips Brooks

The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything either as a blessing or a curse.
- Carlos Castaneda

And this question from a pastor-blogger that I follow:

"What am I attempting to accomplish right now that can only be done if God shows up?" – Todd Hahn

And, of course, this from Jesus:

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40 (TNIV)

I refuse to let distractions keep me from what God is calling me to do. It is going to take focus, determination and discipline, none of which I posses in my natural state.  It is going to take a lot of faith, which I have.  I only have a mustard seed, but that's a lot when you add God to the equation. 

What are your goals right now?  What things are you attempting to accomplish that can only be done if God shows up?  What is the enemy doing to distract you from doing what God wants you to do?