2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
Nehemiah 6:2-3

“Come let us meet together“

The invitation surely comes to those pursuing after the Heavenly Vision. If we must succeed, we must borrow from Nehemiah’s focus in the understanding that ‘Every distraction is an invitation, but not every invitation deserves a response‘

5 Key Notes

  1. Every chosen servant on mission will be plagued by distraction. Satan will constantly sling ‘fashioned’ (tailor-made) matters (usually emotive or logical) that seek to lure us off-mandate.
  2. His delay tactic often unfolds thus:
    (i) Engage them (attract/distract) in order to Gain their attention;
    (ii) Once attracted/distracted, offer a change in their perspective;
    (iii) As their perspective changes, persist until a shift in position/posture occurs (misalignment).
    (iv) If misalignment tarries, rebellion is birthed. (even to the point of warring against their original mandate)

    It worked with Eve in the garden and still works in our gardens (our minds) today.
    Eve Engaged (distraction) -> Eve Saw (perspective) -> Eve Took (posture) -> Eve Ate. (rebellion)
  3. Nehemiah understood that not every invitation must be honoured.
    His example shows us that we must deal with the distraction at point of entry!
    Not every thought or emotion that knocks on the door of our minds do we open for!
  4. Nehemiah understood that Focus isn’t lost, it is given away!
    Every time we give attention to what God didn’t send our way, we exchange our position for distraction!
    Emotional baits from those close to us are often the most crippling in this regard; hence Jesus’s prescription in Matthew 10:37.
  5. Nehemiah understood that HE HAD THE POWER OF CHOICE! Luke 10:40-42
    Satan cannot force any one to do anything. He can only propose, If and how we respond is up to us.
    Nehemiah reasoned that the invitation to ‘Come LET US’ requires his participation!
    He refused to participate! We can snuff out the fiery dart of distraction by simply choosing not to engage in the first place! Or being intentional about what we engage!
    Most battles are won or lost before the 1st salvo.

Simply learning Who and What to ignore is a victory tactic in itself. Nehemiah simply never gave Sanballat & his gang room to set their snare!

Selah

follow up: >> Evading Distraction | Nehemiah’s Strategy 2/3

[2 biblical examples of those who evaded distraction!]

Abraham’s Servant Sent to get a wife for Isaac Gen 24:32-33


Abraham’s servant understood the assignment, He told the matter before Meat & Drink.

32 And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men’s feet that were with him. 33 And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on

Elijah’s Young Prophet Sent to Jehu.

3 Take the small bottle of oil and pour the oil on Jehu’s head. Say, ‘This is what the Lord says: I have anointed you to be the new king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run away. Don’t wait!”……….. 10 The dogs will eat Jezebel in the area of Jezreel, and she will not be buried.’”
Then the young prophet opened the door and ran away.