A prophetic teaching by Margaret Ochsner, a member of Women’s Apostolic Alliance
THINGS THAT CAUSE US TO LOSE OUR FOCUS.
1. DISTRACTION
A prime example of someone who lost his focus is King Solomon. (1 Kings 11) His wisdom and achievements were known throughout the “then-known world.”
He got tempted and distracted by foreign women (700 wives and 300 concubines). That would be enough to distract anyone!
He got self-absorbed in his pursuit of pleasure and he pursued too many goals in too short a time.
He lost his focus on God and he lost God’s presence. God withdrew His anointing!
Some people start a task and leave it half-finished and then go on to something else, and then something else again and have all these half-finished tasks because they got distracted and kept changing their focus.
2. FEELING OVERWHELMED; THINKING EVERYTHING IS TOO BIG AND TOO HARD.
It may be for us in our strength, or our understanding, but nothing is too hard for God. And He will enable us to do what He calls us to do. All things are possible to those who believe. (Matthew19:26)
3. LACK OF FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD.
This can be because of a wrong image of who God really is.
4. LACK OF DISCIPLINE AND ABILITY TO PRIORITISE
It Is so important to keep our focus right. To know what is important and keep the first thing the first thing! We need to prioritise and be disciplined.
5. LACK OF VISION
You need a vision and a plan to achieve that vision.
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries wait for it; because it will surely come.
6. LIVING IN RESPONSE TO OTHERS DEMANDS ON US, AND EVENTS THAT HAPPEN TO YOU
Sometimes false responsibility or false burden are put on us. We need to recognise this and not take it on.
Sometimes we feel obligated or do things out of duty. We shouldn’t just do things out of duty! There are good things and “God Things.” We are meant just to do the things God asks us to do in His strength, His power etc.
7. FOCUSING ON THE PROBLEM OR THE CIRCUMSTANCE
Instead of focusing on Jesus in the midst of the circumstance; drawing from Him for what we need. He is the source of everything that we need.
8. FOCUSING ON HOW WE FEEL, OR WHAT WE THINK OR WANT
Instead of what God’s Word says or what He wants. It is our job to bring our thinking and will in line with God’s Word, His will, and His ways, despite what we think, or feel, or want. God’s Word is truth and it will free and empower us to do what God requires of us.
So many people are ruled by their feelings. Our feelings are valid, but they shouldn’t rule us! We need to get healed and activate our will and come in line with God’s Word and what He requires.
9. LETTING THE PAST, OR PAST FAILURES AFFECT OUR CHOICES
While we are still wounded, we will have a distorted perception. If we are still fearful or insecure or have a wrong image of ourselves – E.g. “We are not as good as others,” or “We don’t have what it takes,” or “We are inadequate or worthless, or a failure.” Etc.
The past does not have to dictate into today. We so need to get healed, so we can come into the promises of God – freedom, abundant life, our inheritance – everything that is Christ’s is ours. (Romans 8:16-17)
