It may be common knowledge that I live in a rural area on Maryland's Eastern Shore. I love being able to look at the trees and various plants and watch the sunrise/sunset- seeing the colors in the sky and whatnot. . . However, one thing that I don't care for is the possibility of dealing with deer on the road 😒.
I don't know. Maybe it's this week's fluctuating temperatures or just the time of the year. . . but the deer in my area seem to be out of hand→ just chillin' in the middle of the street or acting like they want to boldly 'greet' you while you're driving. This week alone, I've had 3 or 4 close calls!
My scariest incident occurred a couple of days ago. It was hot and humid so I decided to adjust the air conditioner. I literally glanced down at the knob and looked up- just in time to see a huge buck making its way across the street (in front of me)! I slammed on my brakes (thankfully, no one was behind me) and avoided hitting it- only by a few feet.
After dealing with more incidents, I drove to Bible Study tonight and jokingly thought to myself, "These deer are really trying me!" (haha) "Is there a lesson in this?"😔
The thought came to me, "We can't afford to be distracted drivers!"
Naturally, we know all about the dangers of driving while texting [or posting on IG, Snapchat, etc.]. We've heard about the injuries and casualties that are caused by drivers who are not being as careful or focused as possible.
The same is absolutely true in our spiritual lives! If we are determined to please God, we can't afford to be distracted.
In all of this, we have to be willing to (in the words of Iyanla Vanzant), "Call a thing, a thing!" We should pray for discernment and wisdom so that we can recognize things or even people that are pulling our attention away from Jesus.
All successful relationships require time, effort, and energy. And this includes your relationship with God. Make prayer, studying the Word, and fellowshipping with believers a priority!
Hebrews 12:1 instructs us to get rid of anything that would hinder (distract) us. That can be something as simple as television or complex/deep as friends and loved ones. Is your circle pushing you closer to God or pulling you away???
Focus (v)- 1. (of a person or their eyes) adapt to the prevailing level of light and become able to see clearly.
2. pay particular attention to
My prayer for you is that you would consider the importance of focusing on God. Walking with Him is not all sunshine and clouds but knowing that He is with you can give you a PEACE that men will never comprehend. (Philippians 4:7)
As you focus on Him and choose to walk in your purpose/His Will for your life, I believe that God will clear the way, so to speak. You have to decide that nothing matters more than your relationship with Jesus. And He will strengthen you to live holy before Him. With that strong foundation, everything else can fall into place. (Matthew 6:33)
Times will get hard but do not take your hands off of the wheel. With no direction, you are destined to crash. . . And sometimes distractions come in the form of things that you like(d) or enjoy(ed). This is where discernment comes into play. Don't be afraid to ask God to remove anything that will not support your best interests. When you recognize roadblocks, you can avoid them (James 4:7)
Allow God to be everything that you need- Savior, Protector, Healer. . . With Him, you'll be able to see clearly and drive safely.
Awesome post. This is something that I needed to read. Continue to allow God to use you in your gift of writing. Be encouraged sis. Love you!
ReplyDeleteAww- thank you! I'm glad that it was a blessing to you! Love you too!
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