February 25, 2008

 Distractions Will Come!

Over the last few weeks it has seemed as though I have had a lot to do and no time to get it done. I haven’t done a podcast, written an article or completed a video project in three weeks, because there was so much going on.

When God has an assignment for you, you can be assured there will be distractions that will get you off track. Some of your distractions will be good things like my new grandson Sebastian, a new relationship that you know was sent from God or your civic duty also known as jury duty. Well over the last three weeks I have been dealing with two out of the three.

On January 28, 2008, I decided to join Weight Watchers so I could add eating right to my list of practices leading towards my lifestyle change. I already had a good start toward regular physical exercise, now for the big change, eating 5-6 small meals per day instead of 1or 2. Then here come the distractions, the enemy at war against my plan and good intentions. The distractions sent to cause me to fall back into my old eating habits because I was just too busy to eat or spend the time walking for my minimum of 30 minutes per day.

How would I do it if I could not pack my lunch or be sure of what eating options would be afforded to me. Well for a few days I will admit I struggled. If you are anything like me hindsight is always 20/20. You can always figure out what you should have done or could have done, but it is too late to do that day over. Watch out for distractions that throw you off track and intend to keep you off track. Recognize that all distractions are not bad, they just have bad results when they keep you away from the thing that God intended. Your plan may have to be adjusted, but you can be successful even with distractions, if you continue to lift even the distractions up to God for His divine direction.

Remember distractions are not always bad things. My grandson was a good distraction, but during his extended hospital stay, I was not always able to get home when I wanted to or eat what I planned to eat. I did not necessarily get the rest I intended. I had to adjust. If you have ever been to jury duty, you know that it is a requirement and it is a distraction. Your life is not your own and they expect you to be where they want you to be when they want you to be there, no exceptions.

Look at your life right now. Identify the things that are distracting you or keeping you from doing what God has called you to do whether it is spiritual, physical, relational or emotional. For me it was time taken away from ministry and focusing on the new commitment to my Weight Watchers program. Even when distractions come they can be overcome, if we approach them with the right attitude and we are looking for a way of escape. Don’t live in the distractions, press through them to a place of balance that allows you to still accomplish all that God has assigned your hand to do. If you seek God first He will balance everything else out including the distractions.

Take time now to identify your distractions. It could be people or a person. It could be a bad habit or a place. It could be a mindset or thought process that you have attached too. It could be your will fighting against the will of God for your life. You keep trying to have it your way. Whatever it is take time to identify it and then allow God to show you His way of escape from your situation or distraction into the balanced life He has for you. I don’t want to escape my grandson, I want to be able to enjoy him to the fullest and also do what God has called me to do. Through Christ I know that all things are possible so I know I can have balance and I can escape my distractions whether they be short term or long term if I will focus on God and let Him live His life through me.

Weekly Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:13: 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

We just worked out spiritually. If you have not worked out your physical temple get up and join us in the:

New Beginnings 2008 Workout Focus
10,000/steps per day or 70,000/steps per week Walking Program*

This is the fitness opportunity that New Beginnings is promoting for 2008. It is simple and easy and almost everyone can participate at whatever level of fitness they are at. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a pedometer, and you're all set.

For further discussion contact contactus@mynewtemple.org or write to us on the message board http://mynewtemple.org/aMessages.html or the Fitness Blog http://mynewtemple.org/wordpress/.