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The noise and screams suddenly coming from upstairs were cause for immediate panic.
My daughter had donned her jogging attire earlier that morning and set out to run a few miles on the treadmill we have in our home. Everything was going just fine… until the worst happened.
She lost her focus and her balance and stumbled, resulting in the treadmill violently throwing her off and trapping her in between the spinning mat, the tile floor and the wall. She managed to get free, but not before the treadmill had wreaked havoc on the skin on her back, legs and arms.
When tears dried and band aids had been gently placed over the raw wounds, I asked her how the accident happened and it turned out she had a lot going on besides just running. For example, a blaring television; incoming text messages which of course needed urgent attention; a loose shoelace which had been ignored; and fatigue in her legs.
There were a lot of distractions which eventually caused her to lose focus, stumble and fall, all the while feeling too weak to regain her balance. She has now vowed to never get back on another treadmill again. Ever.
Upon thinking more about this incident, I began to consider how what happened to my daughter is a lot like what happens in our Christian walk. We fully intend to stay focused on Christ every day, but life is full of distractions which cause us to lose our focus, stumble in our faith, and leave us feeling too beat down to get back on the right path.
We allow worry, anxiety, busyness, work, parenting, marriage and temptations (to name a few) to distract our hearts and we slowly begin to feel disconnected from God; side tracked from His ways and His Word, leaving us feeling weak and burdened.
It is a constant struggle to avoid letting the distractions of concerns and pulls of the world cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus. The reality is that while we are running through life, the enemy is working hard to distract us, hoping that we will lose focus and possibly fall so hard that we vow to never get back on track with God again.
Staying focused on walking in God’s ways is not easy. This is why Solomon boasts the importance of guarding our hearts and minds in Proverbs 4:23 where he says “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Then in verses 25-27, he says “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”
The state of our heart and the the things we are focusing on will guide and direct everything we do. When we aren’t diligent in staying focused on Christ in our everyday lives, we give the devil a foothold, which might possibly cause us to lose our footing, stumble and fall.
Yet when the divine Truths of God’s Word become the focal point of our lives, we are better equipped and more aware of how to handle distractions when they arise.
The truth is, we will all lose focus, stumble and fall every now and then. We may even get sidetracked for a while, and possibly even hurt. But what joy it brings to know that when that happens, God will always be there to pick us up, tend to our wounds, give us the courage to trust Him, and the strength to begin again.
Even when we get sidetracked, God will always help us find our way back if our eyes on focused on Him.
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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.
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Hi Tracy! First, I would like to tell you I loved your book Stress Less Living! I’m currently finishing up the OBS with Melissa and the P31 team. You all are a blessing to my life. Thank you for all you do in the ministry.
The things that get me spiritually sidetrack are ever growing finances, my health, and my family relations. My husband and I moved from Alabama to Texas 9 months ago for his job. In those 9 months, I have had many job interviews, but no offers. Then, I’ve been suffering from endometriosis and poly cystic ovaries for 10 years, which resulted in a hysterectomy last Wednesday. I’m only 30, no children, and only been married a year. My husband is so patient and encouraging, but I find myself having a pity party for one and pushing him away. My mother died from beast cancer, and my fraternal grandmother from endometrial cancer. My doctor has also been pushing for me to get tested for the breast cancer mutation gene. If positive, I’m facing a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I spend most of the day worried about that, instead of giving it over to God. Plus, my husband starts a new job today and we’re getting new insurance. Well, my doctors don’t take United Health, and I got denied for Blue Cross individual plan. I’m so stressed because I don’t want to create more bills, especially with me not working. We recently had to sell his truck to cut cost. I feel I’m such a burden on him than a helpmate. Plus, my family relationships are so strained. They’ve always been that way. I thought my surgery would at least bring us together. Still, no phone calls or visits, and my in-laws call all day and even traveled to Texas to help us out. I know I should be grateful I have wonderful in-laws,it just cuts deep that my own family do not care that much.
As far as getting back on track, I read the P31 daily devotions, do the OBS’ ,read Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, receive emails each time all the ladies at P31 post a blog, and attend church and Bible Study weekly. Even with doing all these powerful things, the enemy can sometimes invade my thoughts.
Hi Courtney, I’m so sorry for all the troubles you are having to deal with. 🙁
I am in Texas too, moved here from Minnesota 9 years ago. I’ll be praying for you.
Dear Courtney
I am so sorry for your loss (potential children) You’ve had surgery, always an assault on the body, as well as the emotional stress of a hysterectomy and the disappointment of your own family not seeming to care at all. As well, you are in a new part of the country and have been struggling to find a job. It is a LOT to cope with, not even mentioning the cancers in your family background. May you know God’s presence more than ever. If you want an email penpal, I’m happy to be one. I am old enough to be your mother but feel I can relate to some of your experiences.
Eva
The one thing that makes me get side tracked especially with a quiet time in the morning is that I love to keep hitting the snooze alarm and going back to bed. I know I need to get up when the alarm goes off, but I am like many American saying five more minutes. Then the morning is shot and I do not get the quiet time I need. I have also been side tracked by social media and email. They call my name each and every morning since the house is quiet. I can get through them quickly and quietly. So these would be my things that I get side tracked. How I can refocus this is to ask God to get me up. I have done that before and it seems like it helps. Also falling in love all over with Jesus. I have discovered that my spiritual life is dull and I need a revival in it. Thanks for posting and blessing for a wonderful day.
I get side tracked by fear. I start to be afraid of what will or won’t happen or how people may reject me. I am working on living more courageously and in the peace that God has given me.
I get sidetracked by many of the same situations mentioned above. I get so riddled with guilt whenever things are not okay in my life. I feel as if unpleasant conditions are the result of my own choices and so therefore I deserve to experience these things. To be sure, sin does have consequences but sometimes I’m not sure how to discern the difference and so I just shoulder all the blame. I suffer from envy, anxiety/fear pretty much daily. I too am just working on trusting God and living like I trust Him.
Remember the song from our childhoold “he’s still working one me….to make me what i ought to be….” I too feel quility constantly….i can’t get on top of all the house work…cooking ….cleaning…time for everyone…and no time for me….but ill tell ya what…if you start your day out with the Lord…and walk with him all day long…and remember at the end of the day to thank him for all the good in the day…(and the bad) it’s such a sweet walk….that love my friends is uncondtional!!! it’s a love like no other!! if you’re battling…just let him take it for you and trust in that sweet heart he’s given you that “he’s got this one!” afterall, he already knows!! the outcome! and we grow stronger and stronger in him…who cares if the house is a mess…that just shows it’s lived in!!!!