Devotion

Theme: Avoid Being Distracted

Text: Nehemiah 6:1-9

6 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” 4 But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner. 5 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king. 7 And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, “There is a king in Judah!” Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together. 8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.” 9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

One demonic tool used by the agents of darkness against the believer is distraction. Note that, if you fall for distraction, it reduces your level of concentration and retards progress in whatever you are doing.

Sanballat positioned himself against Nehemiah so as to hinder the progress of the rebuilding of the walls. He sent a messenger five times to Nehemiah as though what he has to discuss with Nehemiah is important. But Nehemiah did not fall for his tricks. Dear beloved in the Lord, do you weigh every invitation before honoring it? Are you quick to give concert for an unscheduled meeting? Are you able to perceive the purpose of an open invitation? You need to be mindful of your distractors. Some people are in your life to cause delays and to prevent you from moving to the next level. You need the power of God to identify them and how best to deal with them.

 Nehemiah's response to the false message of Sanballat ended with prayer that God should strengthen his hands. My beloved in the Lord, you also need God to strengthen and guide every step you take in life. Commit your ways to the Lord and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Prayer: Give me a discerning spirit to discern the evil distractions around me. Strengthen my hands to stand firm and progress in life in Jesus mighty name. AMEN!