The Master Distractor (and canoeing)

While we, as Christ followers desire to grow in Christ and His ways, we meet up at times, with the enemy who is a master distractor. He likes to draw us away from spending time in God's Word or accomplishing things that are in alignment to it. Distraction is one of his most decieving and prevalent tactics. He uses whatever he can, to draw us away. Social media, television, chat rooms, surfing, entertainment, day dreaming, unhealthy relationships and secular interests, are all avenues that he employs to our detriment. He recognizes that we are Kingdom builders for Christ, a kindom anithetical to the one over which he reigns. He knows his time is limited, that ultimately his kindgom will be destroyed.

May we as God's children, be aware of his ways. May we be diligent in our prayer life with our Savior. May we surround ourselves with godly influences and intentionally spend our time in those activities that edify and pull us closer to God. For in so doing, we are pulled further from the enemy, Satan.

Our God is a God of love. He pursues His children and draws us unto Himself. But we need to be open to His leading. We need to seek counsel and permeate our souls with HIs Truth.

Let's consider an analogy for a bit. Canoeing! It is so much fun. There are many places one can canoe. My husband and I have loved spending time out on clear, blue lakes surrounded by majestic mountains, reflecting in the still waters. At times we paddle with intense purpose. At times, we simply relax and take in the beauty. We have done both, finding our time spent on the water to be rewarding and uplifting.

But we could also opt to canoe on a turbulent river, with currents that draw us towards dangerous water falls and hazardous rocks. Though the experience could be exhilerating for a time, and though the waters could be decievingly calm for a portion of the journey, being aware of the turbulence inherant on that particular waterway, is enough to prevent us from putting our canoe in that water driven path. We are not equipped for what we would face. We could easily be enticed to take in various sights or excursions as we paddle along, forgetting the danger that is looming but a couple of river bends ahead,

So may the Lord be with us all and give us wisdom as we choose the places we decide to navigate on this river of life: what we do and where we go. May we be aware of the master distractor and keep our eyes focused on those things that edify vs detract from the abundant joys our Lord has to share! With our eyes on Him, we will not be led astray as we paddle along this life, one stroke at a time.