Saturday, 26 September 2009

• Take Back the Microphone: Dealing with Spiritual Interruptions

  In the past few days and weeks, a lot of talk has been on the subject of interruption. For example, Congressman Joe Wilson interrupted President Barack Obama's recent speech on health care with the outburst, “You lie!” Since that fateful evening, everyone from Glenn Beck to Revelife has been weighing in on the subject, debating whether he was justified or out-of-line.

  Lest we not forget Kanye West, who interrupted an overjoyed Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards. His antics received national—if not international—attention, garnering harsh criticisms and even internet parodies.

  As Lane Palmer points out in a recent Christian Post article, “A Bigger Interrupter Than Kanye,” we are interrupted on a daily basis by someone even more devious and manipulative. Call him what you will, Satan loves to steal the spotlight. Palmer writes:

  Are there ever spiritual interruptions that are as rude and inconsiderate as Kanye’s? I sure believe so, and there’s a very well defined plan behind them.

  Think about it…have you ever stopped to take some time to pray, and suddenly your thoughts are bombarded with worry or unpleasant memories? Or have you planned out a quiet time to read the Bible, and suddenly the phone rings, or you remember something you have to take care of first?

  Or worst of all, have you ever tried to share the gospel with someone and out of nowhere, people cut into the conversation or something sidetracks the person away from the most amazing message on earth?
  

  Interruptions like these can be disheartening and frustrating. No one wants to miss out on evangelistic opportunities because of a silly phone call or a distraction. Likewise, I can't think of anyone who would gladly miss out on a good quiet time because he or she has an errand to run. These situations are, more often than not, unavoidable, but they can be dealt with.

  Palmer gives the reader some helpful advice for dealing with situations like these:

  …recognize the interruption and take it to God. That way, what Satan meant for evil will actually focus your thoughts more on your Heavenly Father! Pray something like: “Father, I know that what’s happening right now is an attempt to keep me from connecting with you. Please help me keep my thoughts and spiritual eyes focused only on You.”

  The disruptions we face as we follow our Christian walk are designed by the enemy to bring us discomfort and frustration, but, as Palmer suggests, we can turn these situations around. By leaning more heavily on God during these trying times, we can accomplish exactly what the enemy is trying to prevent: growing closer to Him.

  What interruptions have you faced recently in your spiritual walk?

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