Distractions

Anchor scripture: Ezra 4

Supporting scripture: Nehemiah 6:2-9 

We are in a peculiar season. God is doing big things and speaking to His children about assignments and mantles that must be picked up for His purposes in our time. He is looking for modern-day Noahs, Abrahams, Josephs, Marys, Deborahs, and Philips—men and women willing to embrace His call and fulfil His purpose in this generation.

Like Ezra and Nehemiah, when we embrace purpose, distractions will come. They will take many forms—some subtle, some intense—but we must apply discernment, resolve, wisdom, and solid trust in God to remain laser-focused on our assignment, no matter how long or pressured the journey becomes.

How distractions showed up with Ezra

• First, they came subtly as friends: “Let us come and help you.”
• When that failed, they plotted, bribed those who worked with them, and even wrote to another king. When people come to us with offers, we must be discerning enough to know whether it aligns with what is important to us and to God.

Taking the things of God seriously

• For the things of God, let’s be accountable to Him and treat them with priority, just like we do with work or business.
• Those who succeed greatly are the ones who do not allow distractions to stand in their way.
• Emotional distress, loss of opportunities, heartbreak — these are tests of faith that can easily distract us from purpose.

Jesus understands because He has been there. Let’s employ the sword of the Spirit to fight the enemy.
Building practical habits to stay focused

It takes grace to stay focused in this world filled with distractions, but we must deliberately prioritise:

• Daily discipline: Nelly doesn’t leave her bed until she has read her chapters for the day and made her confessions. No WhatsApp or social media first thing in the morning.
• Small consistent steps: Instead of focusing on doing “big things,” just do the little you can daily.
• Digital boundaries: Set a time when socials are off, or only allow them at specific hours.
• Encouragement from scripture: Reading Ezra reminds us we’re not the only ones who struggle.

Setting alarms for when you’re “allowed” to check Instagram or other platforms helps reduce weekday distractions. Discipline is required — take intentional breaks from identified distractions and give more time to reading and studying God’s Word.

Two key reflections

• How much do we want certain things? Bishop Oyedepo spoke of his 18-hour vision — long stretches of prayer, study, and intimacy with God. How important is purpose to us?
• Feed your focus intentionally: Follow content that aligns with your purpose. The vision we have should determine what we consume and prioritise.

Takeaway: build the right habits and allocate the right amount of time to what truly matters.

Encouragement: You cannot “miss” purpose

What did we do for Jesus to earn salvation? Nothing. In the same way, we can’t do anything to “miss” purpose if we stay yielded. No distraction is powerful enough to make us miss it because God gives us the will and power to fulfil His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Imagine living led 24/7 — this only comes by building intimacy with God. When you are consumed with purpose, the devil cannot distract you. Jesus was consumed with purpose. So were Paul, Abraham, and others. Whenever distractions came, purpose always won out.

Keeping the right heart

• Prioritise what the Holy Spirit is saying — He will give you both the will and the way to do.
• Ensure your motives are right. Don’t live under pressure to perform.
• Soak in God and allow purpose to flow naturally.
• Forgive yourself — God is not angry with you.

It’s important to draw a distinction between God’s unconditional love and the assignment He has given us. Nothing can separate us from His love. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God — so let’s live led and trust that everything will fall into place.

Final thoughts

God has big things that need to be done. He is constantly looking for people who will rise above distractions and pursue purpose. Ezra, Zerubbabel, and Nehemiah left their positions of comfort to fulfil purpose. They faced distractions but overcame — and their names are recorded in history.

What will you be remembered for?

Let’s lean on the Holy Spirit for help and leadership. Let’s be so consumed with purpose that distractions lose their power. It takes daily, conscious, deliberate effort — build intimacy with God, and purpose will always remain within reach.