Chapter 3: Distractions of the Enemy—Refocusing Through Faith
When life seems overwhelming and your faith is being tested, remember: the enemy’s greatest weapon is distraction. Circumstances are his tool—but your focus determines your victory.
God is good, and He’s worthy to be praised. Let’s begin in prayer:
Father, forgive me of any sin. Use my voice for Your glory. Let the hearers be edified. We declare it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In Chapter 2, we posed a powerful question: Why does the enemy want you to focus so hard on your circumstances, trials, and tests?
Let’s flip that. If you were the enemy, what would you do to hinder believers? How would you discourage them and throw them off course?
Satan wants your focus misaligned because when you’re consumed by trials, it’s easier for him to sow fear, doubt, and unbelief. Every believer faces challenges. None are exempt. These trials are not signs of failure—they’re signs of your faith being active.
Let’s define focus: to pay close attention, to direct one’s attention toward a specific point. The enemy understands that focus is a powerful tool. If he can steal your focus from God’s promises and shift it to your problems, he can break your spiritual momentum.
Consider Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:28–30. He didn’t fail; he stepped out of the boat—that’s supernatural faith. But once the wind blew and waves crashed, his eyes shifted from Jesus to the storm. That’s when he began to sink.
The enemy’s goal? Break your focus.
If Peter had kept his eyes on Jesus, the supernatural might have become contagious. The others might have followed. The enemy can’t allow that, so he brings distractions to make you second-guess your faith.
You too have stepped out in faith—believing for healing, financial breakthrough, restoration. When the wind of trials comes, the goal isn’t just to shake you—it’s to stop others from seeing your victory and becoming inspired.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), is your response to every attack. Not the storm. Not the bank account. Not the diagnosis.
Let’s define circumstance: a fact or condition relevant to an event or action. Circumstances are real. But they are not permanent.
Maybe you’re facing a financial challenge. The enemy wants you paralyzed by worry: What am I going to do? How will I make it? That worry breeds doubt.
The Word says: Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). The battle begins in the mind.
Now, let’s talk about tests. A test measures effectiveness, proves validity, or demonstrates truth. Your trials aren’t just attacks—they’re proving grounds. Do you believe God or not? Do you trust Him only when it’s easy?
James 4:7 says, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Tests aren’t here to break you. They’re here to build endurance and demonstrate the strength of your faith.
Imagine if Peter had made it all the way to Jesus without sinking. That entire boat may have emptied, with the rest stepping into the miraculous. Likewise, your victory can spark faith in others.
Revelation 12:11 says, They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. What is the him? Your test. Your trial. Your circumstance. When you overcome, it’s a testimony.
Luke 10:19 reminds us, Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. You have authority! Don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise.
Your circumstances are real, yes. But they’re not greater than the God who empowers you.
If Peter had taken authority over the storm and refused to look away, he would have walked all the way. So must we: Keep your eyes on Jesus. The winds will blow. The waves will rise. But the Word remains.
James 1:8 says, A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. The enemy wants you double-minded—tossed between faith and fear. Why? Because double-mindedness disqualifies you from receiving the full blessing of God.
Don’t let him win.
Conclusion
When you focus on God and not the storm, you remain steady. Keep walking in faith—your victory may be the breakthrough someone else needs to see.
Key Takeaways
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The enemy targets your focus to break your faith. Stay alert.
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Trials and tests are opportunities to prove God’s faithfulness.
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Focus means keeping your attention fixed on Christ, not your problems.
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Your testimony of victory encourages others to walk in faith.
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You have authority over the enemy—use it.
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A steady mind anchored in the Word qualifies you for God’s promises.
From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: Circumstances, Trials & Tests (Part 3), Mar 27, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000701016272&r=535
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