Dealing with Distractions & the Demons of Delay
Enlarge your territory. The devil can’t do anything to you. Don’t allow distractions too consume your time. You still have time to fulfill your God-given destiny. Don’t become so entangled in the affairs of others and just plain ole’ life that you literally forget who you are. Consider your life dear and don’t forget about your life. Don’t forget the visions and dreams revealed to your heart. May this word cause you to dream again in Jesus name! Be encouraged, God will restore time stolen and He will remind you of who He has called, appointed, and ordained you to be.
“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” Joel 2:25-26 KJV
Locust are insects sent to devour green living plants. Demons are strategically sent to devour or to consume the time of born-again believer’s who are alive & spiritually alert.
Sure, everyone has natural responsibilities and daily routine tasks. I’m speaking of things that continue to just pop up or have been added to your list without your request. Some of these responsibilities are part of your overall purpose and cause growth, but others have become liabilities, false burdens, and just clear-cut distractions that only you can speak to and have removed from your life. This is where the ability to discern comes in. Every born-again believer has this ability to discern between good and evil – and to deal with it or not. God will allow whatever you will allow. You have been equipped with spiritual authority and dominion over anything that would attempt to stop or block you.
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Gen. 1:26, 28 NKJV
Distractions not only consume your time but will eventually consume your identity.
What is a DISTRACTION?
1. The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation.
2. Confusion from a multiplicity of objects crowding on the mind and calling the attention different ways; perturbation of mind; perplexity; as, the family was in a state of distraction. [See 1 Cor 7]
3. Confusion of affairs; tumult; disorder
4. Madness; a state of disordered reason; franticness; furiousness.
5. Folly in the extreme or amounting to insanity.
The first and foremost thing in dealing with distractions is that one be not ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11). Distractions are demons undercover sent as decoys or ambushes. This teaching will expose the ongoing attempts to distract and cause one to lose focus of God-given destiny. “Remain creative” says the Lord. Your creativity has everything to do with your experiencing the fulfillment of God’s plan for your life. Genesis 1:26, reminds that we have been created in God’s image and in His likeness. He is the Creator; therefore, we have the same nature to create. So, create and recognize if you have ceased to create and share your God-given gifts with a world that is so in need of knowing that God is real. Our gifts and creativity are to give God the glory and glorify the Holy Spirit… ultimately drawing people to God and not our human personality.
What are Some Distractions from God-given Purpose?
People pleasing can cause a distraction. We cannot be moved by people. Please don’t find it challenging to simply say, “No”. Saying, “Yes” every time can get you off focus. Be free from people - unsaved, unfulfilled people can never be pleased anyway. On the other hand, saved, spirit-filled people that expect from you and not from God can never be pleased. Trying to please people can cause you to end up with a false burden that can lead to depression and oppression – two demons sent to delay fulfillment of purpose.
Relationships can cause a distraction if they are not divinely sent by God. People can most definitely be sent by the devil to rob a person of time and virtue. Evil communications not only ruin good behavior but also aids in premature aging.
Marriage can cause a distraction. One example is a person who married quick without Godly counsel and are now spending years trying to fix it.
Family can cause a distraction. What about the wrong choices of children? Selfish people never recognize the effect of their choices. They not only affect them, but also those who are directly connected with them. And then, you have family traditions and comfort zones that can delay or distract. Genesis 12:1-3 says it all, Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Memories can cause a distraction. Remembering, meditating, or repeating the past that was not good will cause a distraction and take you off focus.
Work or a job can cause a distraction. This is obvious when you see people who were on fire for the Lord or had a passion for something but no longer can find the time to serve in their local ministry or to simply create putting God-given vision on the backburner.
Unfulfilled dreams & frustrations of other people can distract you - if allowed. The spirit of jealousy will try to cloud your vision, draw you from creativity, consume your time, and attempt to get you frustrated. Jealous, envious spirits try to block your progress. These spirits hate to see you succeed. These demons are driven by the Jebusite - evil spirit I will discuss shortly.
Religion can cause a distraction. Having itching ears will eventually cause a void of God’s power in one’s life. God’s power is a must in fulfilling His purpose and remaining in faith (2 Tim. 4:3, 4).
Condemnation allowed can cause a distraction. When a mistake has been made and you ask God to forgive you - this act of faith must be received. If not, your mind will continue to remind you of your mistake and you will not ‘feel’ worthy in God’s presence (which will for sure cause you to lose focus). Romans 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. *The key is to stay in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Emotional breakdowns can cause a distraction. When emotional ‘excessively – crying uncontrollably, lost, confused, violent, etc.’ you will easily be out of faith and not be aware.
Mountains are considered distractions. Think about it… if you look at a mountain you will realize there is something behind the mountain and your view has been limited. Distractions limit your vision… more importantly your spiritual vision to see what God would have you to see at any given time. But oh, thank God… with just a measure of faith you can speak to mountains and remove them! You can drive out spirits that would harass you. Call them by name (out loud) and drive them out in Jesus name! Demons need a body (human or animal) to work through. You may need to drive out demons operating through others or yourself. The discussion of the 7- demon spirits will make this clearer shortly.
“So, Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24 NKJV
These evil spirits/demons twist or pervert focus/purpose. Once again, distractions are not always through other people, but could be evil spirits/demons operating through oneself. This is the greatest deliverance when you remain open to recognize if the very demons you have been battling have had a residence in you. Declare their eviction in Jesus name!
‘Ittes’ – Demons Sent to Distract and Delay
“When the Lord your God brings you into the land which you go to possess, and has cast out many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than you, Deut. 7:1 NKJV
Hittites - meaning: "Sons of terror". Spirit of subliminal (below the threshold of sensation or consciousness) torments, phobias, terror, depression, deceit. Hittite spirits are behind suicides.
Girgashites - meaning: "Clay dwellers". Spirit of dwelling on earthiness, unbelief in what cannot be seen. People infected with this type of spirit promote a focus on earthly, temporal things that are visible. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. “For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Corinthians 4:18).
Amorites - meaning: "Mountain people; renowned". Spirit of obsession with earthly fame and glory, domineering. It is a spirit of self-exaltation. People infected with this spirit always want their name to be uttered or mentioned. They are fame-seekers of human glory and greatness. They like to dominate and rule over others and tend to establish an imposing and seemingly immovable presence. Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Canaanites - meaning: "Lowlands people". Spirit of addictions, perversions, exaggerated people-pleasing. They are spirits behind addictions and sexual perversions. The spirits of homosexuality and lesbianism, along with all other sexual perversions.
Perizzites - Meaning: "Belonging to a village". Spirit of limited vision, laziness, low self-esteem. People trapped by the Perizzite spirit, therefore, see themselves as people with little potential whose only task in life is to live a quiet biological existence and to stay out of the way of the people who are "really" important in this world. The Perizzite spirit can lead to many generations of spiritual stagnation and poverty. Always making excuses for not advancement or progress.
Hivites - meaning: "Villagers". Spirit of vision limited to enjoying an earthly inheritance, hedonism (pursuit of pleasure). People infected with this type of spirit tend to have a limited vision of life and love to "live it up". They have acquired some type of inheritance that allows them the "freedom" to live luxuriously, so prevalent in the sons and daughters of wealthy millionaires.
Jebusites - meaning: "Threshers". Spirit of suppression of spiritual authority in fellow believers, legalism. They are spirits that tread or "stomp" on other people, do not hesitate to put down and humiliate others. They like to make people feel small and try to establish their authority over them. It is a spirit of racism.
An evil spirit can be cast out of a person or out of the atmosphere through the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. When an evil spirit leaves a person, it is extremely important that the void within them is filled with the Holy Spirit. This is very key and vital. The relationship with the Holy Spirit must be kept… lest the evil spirit return and bring with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself (Luke 11:24-26).
3+ Ways to Stop Demons Sent to Distract
Ephesians 4:27 …Nor give place to the devil.
James 4:7 …Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Ephesians 6:11 …Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb. 12:1-2
Cycles of Temptation …be Mindful
Sin will keep or re-open the door to demons and distractions. Just gotta’ stop sinning (knowingly)… specifically in the heart. Remain open to divine deliverance. My daily confession is, “Father, have Your way with me. Perfect those things that concern me.” Then I allow Him to have His way by not resisting the truth when told or heard. I honestly allow Him to show me through His Word, sound teaching, and truth tellers who are used by God to expose areas of change I may need in my life (or heart) … with this constant openness I remain pure in thought, deed, and action before the Lord and man. The devil seeks someone he may devour - someone out of faith and offended. Adam’s disobedience (sin) broke His relationship with God (he died spiritually) therefore removing him from that place of protection, provision, and peace.
“That completed the testing. The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.” Luke 4:13 MSG
Living a life that is pleasing to God, according to His word, and in obedience to His voice and the ministry of the Holy Spirit will shield you from the attacks, schemes, and strategies of the devil. You will remain prepared and equipped to recognize distractions, discern between good and evil, discern demons of delay, speak God’s Word and drive them out (with God’s anointing), avoid confusion, and understand God’s timing. Be not ignorant of the devil’s delays. This is the place to be. It’s a peaceful place where you are not battling with people or yourself. On a final note, please remember to pray in the spirit. Praying in the spirit helps to remind you that you are a spirit, you have a soul, and you live in a body. You are a citizen of Heaven and every demon in hell and on this earth knows this. Evil spirits should tremble in your presence… not vice versa. You win. TLW
And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. I Cor. 7:35 NKJV
"DON'T SETTLE FOR THE NATURAL".
I encourage you to view this teaching as well in an effort to remain focused.