Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Distractions by Martha Rogers


Martha Rogers shares how distractions aren't just harmless time-wasters, but detract from our goals and our ministry. Even published authors can sometimes get bogged down by distractions. But don't worry, she also gives us the weapons to defeat those who oppose us.  Take heart! ~ Angie
“Whether you turn to the right or left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.”’
Isaiah 30:21
Distractions of everyday life and things happening around us may cause us to lose our focus on what we are doing and we may not hear what God is telling us. Our enemy causes major distractions because the enemy is in opposition to us and what we are doing.

Usually the smaller distractions of our children or home only take us away from our tasks for short periods and are necessary to keep our families running smoothly. The larger distractions come in many forms.  One of them is the distraction that comes with a newly published book that calls for promotion and marketing. If we’re not careful, the business of promotion can fill our time and take away from our main focus on the Lord and what He wants us to.

The Lord wants us to have success. He cheers us on to victory. We hear His voice behind us telling us the way to go, but the enemy is always lurking around the corner to see how he can cause trouble and disharmony in our lives. He can take good things and turn them to his ways just as God can take the bad things and turn them to good. Remember, too, that the enemy is persistent.

We must be ever vigilant against the wiles of our enemy. He comes in many forms, even through our families and friends. We must focus on what God is telling us and where God is leading us, not what others have to say.

Satan can attack and distract us with a few unkind letters from readers, a rejection from an editor who really liked the manuscript, but couldn’t use it, negative remarks from a friend or family member, or negative feedback from a contest judge or critique reader. He loves to plant seeds of doubt, pull us away from our focus and cause us to lose sight of God’s plan.

The song “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” tells us to “look full in his wonderful face.”

When we do, the distractions fade away and we are able to bask in the light of His glory and grace.  Let us listen to that voice from behind telling us, “this is the way; walk in it.” 
 Heavenly Father, may our sight be focused on You this week. May our eyes be fully trained on You so that we hear Your voice telling us the way we should go. 

Martha Rogers is a freelance author of both fiction and non-fiction and a speaker. Her stories and articles have appeared in a number of compilations and magazines. Her first fiction novella was released in 2007. Her latest release is Winter Promise, (Seasons of the Heart series).

Her experiences as a public school teacher, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, First Place leader, Mom and Grandmother give Martha a unique field of ministry. 

Martha is am alumni of CLASS and is available to speak at Women's Retreats, conferences, and luncheons on topics of interest to women of all ages. As an author, she is available to speak at writing conferences and workshops on a variety of topics of interest to writers.

Her tagline is Touching Hearts...Changing Lives

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