I originally wrote this in 2014 after working all of my adult life. I was free. Not really by choice. It was my first morning walk after leaving employment. God showed up at the park to give me a lesson. It is now 2024 and the enemy is still in the business of distracting us. I share this writing publically for the first time today.
It is day three of my walking plan. I am finally getting to take those morning walks around the neighborhood. I envied the walkers I saw as I made my way to my workplace every morning. Forty-seven years wishing I could be walking instead of working. I have made it to the time in my life where I can.
One little complication. My bones and joints are not as young as they were in my thirties and forties. My mind is saying, “Yes, you can!” My knees are saying, “Not so fast!” In spite of all the negative thoughts that were creeping in, I set out once again this morning. The third day of new exercise generally brings aches and pains. They are here. The enemy would like me to give up. Turn back! He loves defeat. He thrives on it. He loves broken goals. He loves to tackle us before we make that touchdown to the goals we set.
As I walked this morning, pain reared its ugly head in my knee. I decided to focus on the beauty of the walk and not my old, tired, knees. The sun was beautiful. The trees are just beginning to show signs of the colors of Fall. The birds are singing. The squirrels are storing up food to see them through the winter. Then I saw them in the distance. Master and new trainee. A young, beautiful, Siberian Shepherd and his master. The master of this beautiful dog was bringing it out into a world with many distractions. There were hopes that with discipline they would have a successful walk.
We also allow distractions to turn us from our Master. He gently leads us and we pull from Him. Straining to go in the opposite direction. He restrains us just so long and if we continue desiring to follow after the things of the world, He gives us free will to choose who to follow. I watched this beautiful young dog and his master. They were walking along in perfect synch. Suddenly, a rock caught the attention of the dog. He tried dragging his master back to the thing that caught his attention. He began pulling on the leash. Playfully romping around, trying to get back to the rock. The master stood firm. But, she finally allowed him freedom from restraint to investigate. A sidetrack to an otherwise wonderful, disciplined walk.
Our enemy will try everything to divert our attention away from our walk with our Master. Take our focus off of the promises and care of our Master. He will use many things to pull us from peace. We may have fear, pain, anxiety, financial woes, illness or adversaries to take our eyes off of our Master and all that He desires for us. And yes, He may move us from what seemed secure. Because in reality, only He is our security. Running after the rocks, cats and butterflies of life will be a distraction to take our mind off the Master. In my case it was a distraction full of extreme stress. Daily, extreme stress. Discipline may be involved. We may need a sudden change of course that we do not understand. One filled with pain and disappointment. God may pull us back on the path He has planned for us. Relieve the pressure of that stress for our sake and our health.
Keeping our mind on the Master will make our walks through life so much easier. Of course there are going to be pains and storms. None are spared of difficulty. But walking in synch with the Master will keep us focused on the path God has planned for us, instead of the troublesome diversions of the enemy.
Scripture
Isaiah 30:21 NLT
Your own ears will hear him Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or the left.
Jeremiah 7:23 ESV
But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God,and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way I command you, that it may be well with you.’
Prayer
Hello Father. Thank You for guidance, for discernment when the world attempts to pull us off our walk with you. Give us the incite to recognize who is tugging at us. Who is speaking to us. Then give us the spirit of power to return to Your side. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2024 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.