Do you feel like you’re going in 15 different directions at one time and you’re not sure which one is the right way? If not, I’ll be honest and tell you that’s how I feel lately.

I find God’s timing quite funny. I was asked to speak at a women’s retreat that’s coming up in a few weeks. The topic is Priorities. I thought to myself, This should be simple. I’ll tell them how important priorities are, give them a few bullet points on what to do and what not to do, and their lives will be changed forever.


You see, I’m doing great things for the Kingdom. (This is where you give me a pat on the back.) I’m starting a ministry, running my own marketing company, leading a weekly Bible Study, attending my little cousin’s baseball games, trying to get a clothing company launched, working on a book, blogging, speaking, and the list goes on.
These are all good things, but you know what I’ve realized? I’m not doing a great job at any of them because I’m trying to be great at everything.
I was convicted two weeks ago. The kind of conviction that brings snot bubbles in the middle of a church service when your pastor says these words, “We ask God to co-exist in our hearts with others, but we do it subtly.”

Distractions Create Madness

I’m living in a world full of distractions; distractions I’ve brought on myself because I think I have to do it all. Distraction leads to forgetfulness. Forgetfulness leads to promises unfulfilled. Promises unfilled leads to disappointment and sadness. The cycle continues.
These distractions, some good and some bad, are taking me away from the One True Source, Jesus. I realized this on a Saturday morning not long ago when I walked by desk, opened my Jesus Calling devotional, read through the text and went on about my day. I turned God into a drive-thru.
Two days later I found myself exhausted, my eating was out of control, again, and I felt defeated.
Distractions will eventually bring defeat. (Tweet that)

Distractions are Subtle

I didn’t mean to toss God to the side. I didn’t mean to say “yes” to everything. I didn’t mean to overload my life with busyness. But it happened. Subtly.
The enemy doesn’t just distract us all at once. He does it one thing at a time so we don’t notice. He desires for us to burn out. He laughs at our weariness in doing good. He enjoys fatigue, crankiness, feelings of self-doubt for not doing enough.
One small “yes” turns into another one, and another one. Before I realize it, I’m trying to figure out how in the world I got myself here.
Then I get slapped with this question:

What or who is competing with the Lord for your attention?

To answer, honestly, way too many “what’s” and “who’s.” What about you?

Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

Don’t get me wrong. I so much of what I’m doing. Some things, though I don’t love completely, I must do because bills need paid. (Though I realize this is only temporary.) Others, like ministry, Bible Study, speaking, I enjoy.
I have a lot of talents, but I’m learning that I don’t have to use them all at once.
I don’t want to make my work for God more important than God. (You can tweet that, too.)
As I sat in that convicting church sermon, my pastor said these words. They hit home. Hard.

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

So, now I’m taking an inventory. Asking God to show me all I’m involved in. Asking Him to show me what needs to be there and what doesn’t. Who should I say “yes” to? Who do I say “no” to? Do I take an opportunity just because I know it will provide extra money, or do I say “no” because it will distract me from something bigger?
I want to be great at the things I do. Not good. Not mediocre. Great. I can’t do it, though, when I’m trying to be great at everything.
I can’t take care of my body when I’m trying to be great at everything. I can’t be who Jesus has called me to be when I’m not spending time growing my relationship with Him.
Neither can you, my friend. 
Let’s get rid of distractions, both good and bad. Let’s join together to be great at what He’s truly called us to do. Let’s be still long enough to hear Him instead of filling every gap of time with something to do.
[reminder preface=”Question:”] Are you in? If so, let me know in the comments what distractions you need to remove in your life. [/reminder]