Stay Focused

“Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, ‘Come, let us meet together’ … But they were planning to harm me … ‘I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop?'” – Nehemiah 6:2-3 NASB

God’s call to Nehemiah was clear: He was to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem. But powerful people opposed his assignment and tried to disrupt Nehemiah in any way they could.

They sent him many messages asking for a meeting. Their intentions sounded innocent, but he knew their real motives. Nehemiah and his colleagues were accused of planning to rebel. And Nehemiah was accused of plotting to gain power for himself.

But he told them that there was no truth to their accusations. He knew they were lying, and “just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could break our resolve and stop the work.” He knew he simply was obeying God. They wanted him to stop but he stayed focused and refused to be distracted. He “continued the work with even greater determination” (v. 9 NLT).

Because of his determination, Nehemiah completed God’s assigned task. Despite the distractions and opposition, the wall was built.

All of us know what it is like to experience interruptions and other distractions. They happen every day. Many are important but some simply keep us from accomplishing God’s assignments.

Today, think about the distractions you face. Are any of these keeping you from accomplishing God’s work? Ask Him to give you a clear sense of His calling and His priorities for you. Then be alert to distractions and don’t allow them to disrupt your mission. Remain faithful and stay focused on His call.