Don't be a fool!
This week I found myself using a phrase I’ve only heard used by church mothers. My cousin and I were sharing about our day and I shouted, “That ‘ol sly devil!” Let me tell you why…
Earlier this week I looked at the calendar and realized it was mid-April. “April just started!” I said to myself. I was frustrated about the date because it was a reminder that the deadline I’d given myself for a summer project was approaching fast. It was also a reality check that I was nowhere near completion. That afternoon, the Spirit revealed to me that I hadn’t been committing any energy to my summer project because I’d been using too much energy at work. In other words, I'd been distracted. And unfortunately, I'd been distracted for weeks!
Naturally, after this revelation I was ready to fight. I'm nobody's fool so don’t make me look like a fool and don’t make me feel like a fool. I'm too intelligent, educated and resourceful to be gullible. And yet, the enemy had played me for weeks and I hadn't even noticed! “That ‘ol sly devil!” I said. (It was the worst thing I could think to call him in the moment because I don't use profanity).
So, in an effort to complete my project as quickly as possible and regain lost ground, I created a writing schedule with a daily word count goal. The first day I started using the schedule, everything seemed to get worse at work. However, I was ready. I knew when I’d shared my newfound commitment to my summer project with my cousin, the enemy heard it too so he was coming for another round. This time, instead of reacting to the distraction, I told myself to “suck it up.” Until God brings change, which I sense is going to happen very soon, I've been praying for peace. I need piece of mind and the spirit of hush. I don't have the power to change what's happening but what can I do? I can learn.
I’m learning not to allow the enemy to use what God gave me as a blessing, such as my job, to become a distraction, a stressor or something I hate.
I’m learning to work in a toxic environment, which is strengthening my temperance and longsuffering, while also being mindful not to become a product of the environment.
I’m learning that every issue doesn't require my attention or action.
I’m learning to be aware but unbothered.
Jesus is the perfect example of this. He was aware of the betrayal, the denial, the false charges, etc. but it didn't distract Him from His purpose or deter His love for us. He remained mindful of the main thing- to die on the cross to save us from our sins. And because Jesus wasn't distracted by His environment, we have the gift of eternal life. What could God accomplish through our lives if we remain focused and don’t get distracted?
Happy Good Friday!!!