Distractions That Hinder
Day 4, Week 2 | FOCUS
Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Matthew 14:28-31 (ESV)
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Hebrews 12 calls us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” This is a reminder that in our race of faith, distractions and sins aren’t just annoyances. They’re obstacles that hold us back. Fixing our eyes on Jesus requires intentionality. To stay focused on Him, we have to actively remove the things that pull our gaze elsewhere.
Think of Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water in Matthew 14. He started strong, eyes fixed on Jesus, defying every law of nature. But the moment he noticed the wind and waves, he began to sink. It wasn’t the storm that caused him to fail. It was his shift in focus. Like Peter, we’re surrounded by “waves” that threaten to distract us: worry, fear, ambition, stress, the pursuit of comfort. These distractions may not always be sinful in themselves, but they divert our attention from Jesus and weigh us down.
Consider Martha’s story in Luke 10:41-42, where Jesus gently rebukes her, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.” Martha was busy, but she missed what mattered most because her attention was on the wrong things. Her focus was consumed by the tasks at hand rather than the presence of Jesus in her home. Sometimes, it’s not just sinful actions that distract us, but the relentless busyness and anxieties that crowd out our time with God.
To run well, we need to ask ourselves, what is keeping me from focusing on Jesus? It could be the time spent endlessly scrolling through social media, the relentless pursuit of career goals, or the constant worry about things beyond your control. These distractions may seem small, but they have the power to weaken our focus and disrupt our race. Hebrews tells us to “lay aside” these weights, not simply to acknowledge them. This involves taking active steps to set them aside so we can run with full focus.
Today, take a moment to identify your distractions. What are the “waves” that pull your gaze away from Jesus? What are the “many things” that keep you from the “one thing” that is necessary? Fixing your eyes on Jesus doesn’t mean that life’s responsibilities disappear, but it does mean prioritizing Him above all else.
Reflect: What distractions in your life make it hard to focus on Jesus? How can you overcome them?
Pray: Lord, there are so many things that pull me off course. Help me to see past them and focus only on You.
Act: Identify one distraction in your life. Take a practical step today to limit its influence, whether that’s reducing screen time, setting boundaries, or spending intentional time in prayer.
