Overcoming Spiritual Distractions.

“The LORD said to his people: “You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls.” But they said, “We will not follow it!” Jer. 6:16.

The year was 1924. The world’s eyes were on Paris for the Summer Olympics. Eric Liddell, a Scottish sprinter, had become a national hero. Fast, humble, and full of conviction, he was a favorite to win gold in the 100 meters. But then the race schedule was released and the 100-meter heats were set for Sunday. Eric quietly declined. He said, “The Sabbath is not man’s, but God’s. I cannot run on a Sunday.” Critics erupted. Politicians were furious. Reporters mocked him. But Eric stood firm. He spent that Sunday in worship while others ran for medals. But the story wasn’t over. Eric trained instead for the 400 meters—a race he wasn’t favored to win. On the day of the race, an American trainer handed him a note that read: “He who honors Me, I will honor.” 1 Sam.2:30. Liddell ran—and ran like fire. He didn’t just win. He set a new world record. But even that wasn’t the end of his story. 

Eric later gave up his athletic career to become a missionary in China, where he eventually died in a Japanese internment camp—still serving God and others with joy and deep faith. Eric’s life wasn’t just about speed—it was about obedience. About honouring God even when it cost him everything. That’s what faith looks like when the world says, “Take the glory”—and you say, “No, I’ll give it to God.” Looking at our text, "standing and asking for the ancient way" it means stopping at life’s crossroads, reviewing your current path, and deliberately seeking God's established, godly path—the "good way"—to find rest for your soul. It requires slowing down, praying, consulting scripture, and choosing to walk in obedience rather than pursuing modern, fleeting alternatives. 

In our story, Eric Liddell prioritises God's counsel over global best practices. It made him look like a fool. I'm not asking you to quit your job, but I'm asking that your commitment must show that Christ is indeed the Sovereign over your life. To prioritize God over overwhelming distractions, you must intentionally "seek first the kingdom of God" Matt. 6:33 by scheduling dedicated, distraction-free time for prayer and Scripture reading. Actively cultivate stillness, set your mind on spiritual matters rather than earthly worries, and consciously surrender daily tasks to God. We live in a digital age of distraction, it is difficult to focus our attention on God. I recognize the overwhelming challenge of doing all you can to maintain spiritual attention on God and doing his will. If you don't make up your mind to choose God over distraction, you will end up making a mess of your faith, giving God haphazard and unreasonable service. 

FURTHER READING:

“Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.” 1 Sam. 2:30.

“But if that nation does what displeases me and does not obey me, then I will cancel the good I promised to do to it.” Jer. 18:10.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. I come before You today, acknowledging that I have allowed the cares of this world, unnecessary noise, and various distractions to pull me away from You and my assignment. Lord, I repent for the times I have lost my focus, allowing envy, strife, anxiety, and mundane luxuries to take priority over my service to You. I receive the grace, wisdom and capacity to walk with You in obedience and precision in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

1 Sam. 3:1-21.

1 Sam. 4:1-22.

1 Sam. 5:1-12.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“We Live In An Age Of Distraction. Anything Outside God That Gets More Of Your Attention Will Lead You To Destruction.”