Distractions

Have you ever been distracted? 

Have you ever been trying to get something done and things keep coming up that get in your way?

What’s interesting about the story of Nehemiah is the supposed threat that Nehemiah caused both Sanballat and Tobiah (leaders in the neighboring town)  just by showing up in Jerusalem.  Nehemiah wasn’t showing up to fight, he wasn’t showing up for a hostile take over.  He just wanted to build a wall, that’s it!  Sanballat, Tobiah, and a few other men of the city were determined to keep this from happening so they created diversions to keep Nehemiah from finishing his assignment.

As I sat in my office earlier this week,  I began to reflect on Nehemiah’s mission and compare it to what I do at my own job.

Lately, I’ve been forced to identify my Sanballats, not just at my job, but at my home, in my marriage, with my friends, and even in my relationship with God.  In an effort, to develop that Nehemiah spirit, I’ve been studying the scriptures to learn how to respond to distractions.

Nehemiah had it down.  He wasn’t rude.  He wasn’t agitated.  He addressed the issue (usually in one sentence) and kept moving.  He had a job to do, and he wasn’t coming off of that wall until he finished it.  This entry is just to encourage each of you to identify your Sanballats and address them accordingly.  Don’t give them too much time, or they’ll get you off your game.  Take a note from Nehemiah.  Respond as he responds, “I am doing a great work, so that I can’t come down:  why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? (Nehemiah 6:3)”  Watch how much you get done using the Nehemiah approach.

Lord, Help me deal with the distractions that try to force me away from you. In your name I pray. Amen.