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Distractions are things that pull us away or prevent us from giving our full attention to something. The Biblical account of Peter walking on water is an example of what could happen when we are distracted. To recap, in Matthew 14:22-27 Jesus had just fed the five thousand and instructed the disciples to go by boat to the other side. Jesus sends the multitudes away. And then he goes up to the mountain to be alone and pray. On their way to the other side, the disciples faced strong winds and rough seas. Jesus sees this and walks on water to meet them. Not recognizing him, the disciples were afraid. Jesus comforts them, saying “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.“

Matthew 14:28-30 states: “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (NIV)

Have you ever had an experience somewhat like Peter? Not walking on water. Rather, where you were growing in God and also walking in greater levels of faith. Well, this is like Peter stepping out on the water and walking toward Jesus.

But then something happened. It could be a good thing. Perhaps a business opportunity that is finally reaping financial rewards. Or it could be a personal issue that took a turn for the worse. Whatever it is, good or bad, your gaze is shifted from God and now fixed on the growing savings account or the personal struggle. This is like Peter looking at the wind.

In 1 Peter 5:8, we are told: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (NIV). This scripture makes it clear that as believers, we have an enemy who is always looking for someone to destroy. And that enemy will use any means possible — good or bad. He knows that if he could get believers to shift their focus away from God, they will be denied of what they need. Why? The enemy knows quite well that a believer who has their eyes fixed on Jesus can do great things. The enemy also knows how much a believer can endure when they fix their eyes on Jesus and press ahead in faith.

So how can believers build resistance to distractions? Here are two ways.

1. Love God.
   Mark 12:30 says: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (ESV). When you love God above all else, your heart remains devoted to God despite the pull of the things of this world.
2. Make God your priority.
   Psalm 16:8 says: I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken (ESV). When the Lord is always before you, He is your priority. Though life’s challenges may strike a terrible blow, you are held firm because God is with you.

In this moment, ask yourself these two questions: do I love God more than anything else? Is God my priority? If your answer is no, there is help. As Peter cried out “Lord, save me!”, you too can ask for help.

Ask God for the grace you need to build resistance to distractions so that, whether in times of abundance or lack, or times of joy or sadness, your devotion to God compels you to still steal away to spend time alone with God. To give God your full attention so that you can be refreshed. To be recharged. To build your faith.

And then ask God for the grace you need so that, no matter the pressure that is applied to you by the distractions of this world, your eyes remain fixed on Jesus who is your hope and victory.