Fragrance of Faith

It’s been a minute since I last posted. But to be honest, life has taken much of my time lately. My family and I really haven’t had time to rest since mid-March. I received my exhort’s certificate, we hosted and celebrated my cousin’s eighteenth birthday, my birthday, traveled to the Church of God campgrounds for a women’s conference and book signing, and celebrated my husband’s birthday. Traveled to Orlando for my daughter’s spring break. Took a leadership class, did pastoral counseling, taught a vocal lesson, and so much more, other than what I can think of at the moment. But in all of this, God still was my focus.

I say all this because I’m sure there have been moments in your life when your schedule becomes so packed that the only rest you get is when you lie your head down at night, only to get up and do it all over again.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a busy lifestyle, but when it interrupts your focus, that is when you need to reevaluate. See what’s happening around you and ask yourself, “Is the busyness my doing, or is it an intentional distraction?”

A few weeks ago, my husband and I were talking about how busy our schedules have gotten, which left no time in the day for anything else. Then he mentioned that he felt it all felt like an intentional distraction. This got me thinking, what if our lives became so busy was actually a ploy of the enemy? Sometimes, what looks like an opportunity is actually a subtle attack that shifts the focus away from what God is trying to do. What if a door that looks open is actually closed, and with the loss of focus, we miss the subtle cues?

I know that’s a lot of questions, but that’s what I’ve been thinking about recently. With so many opportunities and events popping up, how can we see which ones to pursue and which to let go?

The simple answer is Jesus. Focus on Jesus. Yes, it’s a simple answer, but can be a challenge when the enemy steps in. Why a challenge? Because, even though the Lord has given us authority over the enemy, it won’t stop his from trying.

As believers, we have to continually be on alert, ready for the enemy’s attacks. But the world we live in can be so loud.

So let’s take one from the enemy’s books. Satan doesn’t move without intention; he doesn’t go after the people who live life in the flesh. He goes after those who are seeking the will of God. My mother has always said, “If you catch the enemy’s attention, you’re doing something right.” This tells me that I need to be intentional. Not every opportunity that comes my way needs my yes. I first need to go to the Lord for clarity on which direction to take.

Seek the Lord, focus on Him. When life gets busy, ALWAYS leave room for Him.

I want to encourage you to step back and evaluate everything that is happening in your life. Ask yourself, “Is this intentional discrimination or is it my doing, and do I need to take a step back?”

In the last few weeks, I’ve had to ask myself those questions. And I’m asking the Lord to help me stay focused on Him. I have opportunities on the way, and I want peace and clarity about which will get my yes.

So, if you find yourself in a season of business, where a lot is happening and your time with God seems to fall in the background, stop, slow down for a moment, and make room for Him.