Part One of Two of the Distractions, Delays, and Detours Series

by Kathryn Breckenridge

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)

Distractions, delays, and detours can certainly take us in places we do not expect. Sometimes they are bad. Other times they are good. It helps to recognize when they will cause problems or be beneficial.

Distractions and delays are the reason this devotional is posting late. My sincerest apologies to you, dear reader. I was distracted when I should have written earlier in May, knowing I would be delayed later by running a book fair, teaching and wrapping up the end of the school year, and by being my husband’s caregiver after his recent surgery.

Sometimes a delay may be for the good. A few weeks ago, I left church later than I intended, having visited with friends before leaving. On the way home I passed a bad car accident. I may have been part of it had I left earlier.

Distractions, delays, and detours can apply to our spiritual lives as well.

When I get distracted, I spend the time on chores, screen time, or dwelling on concerns without making God my priority. I sometimes don’t spend time in Scripture, worship, and prayer. My distraction causes me to not recognize blessings that the Lord has put into my life, for my focus is on my to-do list or my problems.

What distracts you?

The Apostle Paul had a key directive to keep from being distracted. “Press on.”

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things that are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12– 14 (NKJV)

This call to Press On can help us in the delays and detours, too. But what are some practical ways for us to press on?

Schedule. Just as we are trying to schedule medication and physical therapy exercises for my husband, I need to schedule time to read Scripture and pray. It’s all too easy to push my meeting with God to a later time that soon ends up being after bedtime.

• Make an appointment with God like you would a doctor appointment or coffee with a friend. Keep it.

Forget those things that are behind. Let’s not focus on our past successes or failures. Let’s not wish for what might have been. Our past shapes us, but it doesn’t have to define us. Paul was a zealous Pharisee who was a leader in his field. He persecuted Christians before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. He could have wallowed in guilt, or in pride of his position, but he left those behind and followed Jesus. Paul was saved by grace.

• Is something from your past claiming your attention?
• Write past distractions or delays onto a page, then seal it in an envelope, giving it to God in prayer.

Reach forward to those things that are ahead. The elementary school where I teach focuses on teaching and monthly rewarding behavior that shows the Fruit of the Spirit that is highlighted that month. It’s a great way to learn of love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).

What are some ways you learn more about God? How do you apply Scripture to your life?

The Holy Spirit is within the believer to help us to grow in the knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus. Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us to become more like Jesus as we submit our lives to Him and obey Him.

May we, like Paul, gain Christ and be found in Him.…

Not having a righteousness of my own…but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

Keep our eyes on the goal. God calls us heavenward in Christ. Jesus calls us to follow Him, and to become one with Him.

Let’s press on without delay to know Jesus better every day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the righteousness you give me through faith in Christ. Please help me to persevere, to press on without the distractions, delays, and detours that I cause in my walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Thank you for reading my devotionals. Thank you for your patience with me. ~Kathryn

Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV): Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV): Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan.