Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but because of what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction.

1 Corinthians 7:35, HCSB

What if the enemy’s greatest weapon against your calling isn’t fear or failure—it’s distraction? He doesn’t always come with a loud roar. Sometimes he sneaks in quietly—through endless scrolling, packed calendars, or whispered lies like, “Who do you think you are? Someone else is already doing it. You’ll never make a difference. You don’t have time.”

Nobody Likes Clickbait

Have you ever been on social media and seen a picture so strange you had to click? You only meant to watch the one video, but two hours later you glance at the clock and think, ugh…I’ve done it again.

Social media can be fun—full of encouragement, connection, even laughter. (Those dog voiceovers? I can’t stop laughing at them!) But it can also be one of the greatest time robbers.

My mornings usually begin with letting out the dog, making a cup of coffee, unloading the dishwasher, and then spending time with the Lord. But one morning, as I waited for the coffee to brew, I picked up my phone. I am not even certain what the clickbait message was, but before long I was scrolling through the weirdest and most impractical bathroom layouts known to man. (Who makes floor tiles that look like people waving up at you from under your stall door?)

Social media can make minutes vanish and mornings messy—
choose your scroll wisely, or your focus pays the price.

And then came that gentle nudge. You know the one. It’s the one I can ignore, but if I do, I always regret it. The Holy Spirit whispered: “You haven’t met with Me yet.”

I put my phone down and opened my Bible. Flipping the page to the day’s devotional, I read the title: “You Can Overcome Life’s Distractions.” Don’t you love it when what you’re reading hits home with impeccable, pointed timing?

I stared at the day’s title for a moment and felt convicted. It was like Holy Spirit was reminding me: time is short, distractions are plenty, and the call of God on your life is too important to trade away for clickbait.

Distraction Whispers Lies . . .

Distraction is defined as anything that keeps you from giving your full attention to something else, and distraction comes in many forms. Maybe it’s scrolling social media. Maybe it’s binge-worthy TV. Or maybe it’s unhealthy thought patterns that spiral when they’re left unchecked. Sometimes, distraction looks like the enemy’s lies:

• “Your dream doesn’t matter.”
• “It’s already been done.”
• “You don’t have what it takes.”
• “You’re too old to start something new.”
• “You’re already too busy. You don’t have the time to do it. It will take too long.”

I’ve heard those and many others, and I bet you have too. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to take the bait.

But Truth Sets Direction

The Word tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, “Everything is permissible, but not everything is helpful. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up. No one should seek his own good, but the good of the other person” (HCSB). The terminology “Everything is permissible” was a common phrase (you see it again in 1 Corinthians 6:12), but the Apostle Paul was correcting the believers in the church. You see, even “good” things can pull us away from the best things. Sometimes they distract us from our purposes, priorities, and the call of God.

Jesus overcame the lies of the enemy with the Word of God. When you hear these whispered, overcome them by focusing on the Truth. For each lie above, I have written truth you can hold to:

• “My dreams and gifts come from God, and they have purpose.” *Jeremiah 29:11
• “God has specific people for me to help based on the unique way He created me.” *Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 2:10
• “God will equip me with everything I need to do what He calls me to do.” *Hebrews 13:21
• “I can use the wisdom of my years to empower those coming behind me.” *Titus 2:3-5
• “I can focus on stewarding my time well and make God’s call a priority. I will schedule what’s important.” *Ephesians 5:15-17

Distraction Loses Power when Focus Takes Over

Jennifer LeClaire wrote that to overcome distractions, you must not allow your eyes, ears, mouth, or mind to focus or take part in the distraction. She wrote, “In other words, stop thinking about them! Stop listening. Stop looking. Stop talking about them. There is tremendous power in a life focused singularly on Jesus and His will—tremendous power” (LeClaire, 2015).

And she’s right! There’s tremendous power in focus. Whatever distractions the enemy throws at you today, you have the power to overcome each one.

Stay Focused

Isaiah 26:3 says that He’ll keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind focused on Him. Focusing on what you need to do in any given moment takes discipline and self-control. If your phone alerts you as often as mine does, the “Do Not Disturb” button will be like your best friend when it comes to choosing to live undistracted. In last week’s blog post, I talked about focus briefly. As long as Peter kept his eyes focused on Jesus, he could do the impossible! What can we do when we keep our focus on Him?

One way to help maintain our focus on Jesus and the call of God on our life, is to think on good, godly things. Philippians 4:8 tells us specifically what to think about—things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise (ESV). Matthew 6:34 tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Isaiah 54:17 tells us that the Lord will protect us from every weapon formed against us, even the things other people say about us! Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things because He will give us strength. And 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us we can take our thoughts captive instead of letting them ramble without control. Our thought life can be healthy and focused on Jesus as we consider the resources we have available in the Word.

So, get your focus back! God has called you to greatness.

Every Choice Against Distraction Bears Fruit

Apostle Paul understood this. In Acts 20:24b, Paul says, “It’s more important for me to fulfill my destiny and to finish the ministry my Lord Jesus has assigned to me, which is to faithfully preach the wonderful news of God’s grace” (TPT). Jesus, in telling about His love for us and desire for us to be full of joy tells us we are His chosen ones with purpose. He says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you” (John 15:16, NIV).

And don’t miss this: your calling doesn’t have to look “big” to be powerful. Maybe you aren’t called to preach, but to love and serve your family well. Maybe it’s interceding in prayer for needs no one else sees. Perhaps it’s teaching children and modeling Jesus to them daily. Or maybe it’s serving faithfully in an office where most of your work goes unseen. Others may not notice the details, but they feel the difference you make.

The hidden moments of obedience may never make headlines,
but in God’s eyes they ripple with eternal fruit.

Every act of obedience, every sacrifice no one else applauds, every moment you choose Jesus over distraction—it all bears fruit. Galatians 5:22–23 reminds us of what His Spirit produces in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

And the heart of it all is love. Your calling, even if you have to battle emotion and distraction, is a way to extend the love of God to others. Whether that’s through loving and serving your family well, children you teach, or your colleagues! You may even be called to write the words God has given you to encourage others or to teach a small group, but you wonder if you have what it takes. Yet if God is calling you to do it, He will equip you to do so!

You are Chosen

My friend, you have been chosen. I’ve already mentioned this verse in today’s blog, but you may need to read those words again. Jesus said:

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.

John 15:16, NIV

Don’t let any distraction or lie steal the truth God has placed in your heart. Whether you’re striving to stay focused at work, school, or on the dreams and goals He’s planted in you, remember: your life has divine purpose and the gifts God gave you are meant to be used for His glory. Every small step of obedience matters, and something beautiful is waiting on the other side of your faithfulness. Step forward. Say yes. Keep going.

When weariness comes, hold this close: you are not alone. The Lord who called you is faithful. Lean on His strength, let His peace steady your heart, and walk boldly, knowing His joy will carry you all the way to the finish line.

I’m cheering you on.

Hey friend,

This week, I’ve got something I can’t wait to share with you. I’ve started a YouTube channel to post video content that I hope will encourage your heart as you follow God’s directions. On the latest episode I tell a fun story about the time I wished I could walk on water!

The video goes live Friday, September 5, at 3 PM, and I’d love for you to be there. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you’re first in line to watch. Trust me—you won’t want to miss it!

See you there!
—Holly

Ready to step into a life full of faith, hope, and miracles? Discover how to trust God in every circumstance with Holly’s book, Believing for a Miracle, available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon. Let these pages inspire you to believe bigger, pray bolder, and see God move in your life!

Whether you’re seeking the courage to write down the dreams and callings God has placed on your life to help overcome distraction, or if you’re still discerning exactly what those dreams are, be sure to check out the blog post “From a Quiet Dream to a Bold Prayer: How God Meets Us in Our Deepest Longings.”

Free Gift Just for You!

12 Scripture Cards to Stay Focused on your God-Given Calling

Feeling stretched thin, distracted, or struggling to stay focused on your purpose?
You’re not alone. Life is busy—but keeping your eyes on God’s calling doesn’t have to be complicated.

That’s why I created 12 Scripture Focus Cards—a printable set designed to help you stay anchored in God’s Word, overcome distractions, and pursue the purpose He’s placed in your life.

Quick reminders. Powerful verses. A heart fixed on Jesus.

Inside this printable set, you’ll discover:
12 scripture cards about purpose, focus, and perseverance
Daily encouragement to overcome distractions and stay faithful
Gentle reminders that even small acts of obedience bear eternal fruit
Verses you can display, carry, or use in your devotional time
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References:

LeClaire, J. (2015). Mornings with the Holy Spirit: Listening daily to the still, small voice of God. Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House Book Group.

The post The Enemy’s #1 Weapon Against Your Calling (and How to Overcome It) appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us).

1 Corinthians 16:14, AMPC

I recently visited a newly opened coffee shop with my friend, Sara, and while glancing toward the street, I noticed a beautiful lady walking rapidly toward the entrance. My eyes lit as I recognized a sweet friend, and I stood to greet her. Before I scarcely spoke her name, she walked into my arms, saying she’d seen me through the window and needed a hug. Surprised, I listened, my arms surrounding her, as she explained what she was going through at that moment.

My friend and I prayed for her and the situation she was facing, and I reached out to someone who could offer further help. After she left, I sat in awe of what had just happened. Sara said, “We were abiding at the right place at the right time. While we were here longer than we’d planned, there was a purpose for it. There is power in tarrying in the places to which God has called you.”

Finding the Margin in the Ordinary

Sara’s words have been echoing in my heart since she spoke them. That morning, I had every intention of focusing on writing in the coffee shop for an hour—two, tops. My days are usually packed: managing a home, taking care of my family, juggling work, and trying to nurture friendships in between. Like many women I know, I lean on my calendar and to-do list to stay afloat.

What if Ordinary Moments Become Extraordinary?

But in the middle of the hustle, I forget—God doesn’t need an open time slot to show up. God meets us in the ordinary moments. He just needs an open spirit to yield to what He brings our way. That day, He met me in a completely ordinary, unplanned moment and reminded me through the words of my friend: the sacred can slip into our lives when we least expect it making ordinary moments extraordinary. We just have to pause long enough to see it.

The real question is—am I looking for the open doors God places in front of me?

Nailing the Opportunities

I think back to a quiet afternoon at the nail salon, where I met Jane. We were seated in neighboring pedicure chairs—just two women who, at first glance, couldn’t have looked more different. I was unwinding, my feet soaking after a long week. Jane sat beside me, getting her glittery polish removed. “Sparkle’s my favorite color,” I said with a smile, pointing to her shimmering nails. That tiny comment opened the door to something so much deeper.

We were strangers. We were different ages with different backgrounds and different stories. But that day, God used our proximity for purpose. He didn’t need us to have everything in common—He just needed us to be present and willing to listen to His gentle nudges.

Simply Extraordinary Moments

Jane was removing her polish to prepare for surgery—cancer had returned after years of remission. As she spoke, I listened—really listened. She didn’t know how well I understood what she was facing. When she finished, I shared a piece of my story—about my son Caleb, diagnosed with a rare bone cancer at age eleven. I told her about the heartbreak, the prayers, and the miracle of his healing.

Her eyes softened. She told me her church was already praying, that she had called her pastor the moment after she broke the news to her husband. I told her I’d pray too—and then I did something that felt risky but right. I asked if I could pray with her. She looked a little surprised, but nodded.

So right there, in a corner of a busy salon, I reached across the space between our chairs, took her hand in mine, and prayed with the faith of a mama who’s walked through the fire. I spoke healing over her body—the same words I had declared over my son all those years ago.

God Meets Us in the Ordinary

And here’s what I believe with every fiber of my being: the moment Jane called out to God, He was already moving. But maybe that afternoon, He just wanted to remind her—and me—that He hears. He sees. God meets us in the ordinary, unexpected places, even with wet toes and glittery polish.

This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we [also] know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him.

1 John 14-15, AMP

Ordinary Invitations

These experiences continue to stir something in me-a gentle challenge to pay attention-to be intentional, present. God’s invitations often come wrapped in the ordinary: a smile across the aisle, a kind word at checkout, a nudge to send a card or check on someone you haven’t seen in a while. Opportunities to love like Jesus don’t have to be big or expensive. More often than not, they’re quiet, simple, and easily missed if we’re rushing through our over-scheduled day.

Simple Responses Yield Great Harvests

A pastor at church talked about how simple kindness draws people to Jesus. It might be your words, prayers, or an act of kindness that opens a door to plant a seed about how much Jesus loves them, or even opens a door to you leading them in accepting Jesus as Savior. He said it is your obedience to do what God tells you to do that makes you successful.

We don’t always get to see the harvest. But when we offer a word of hope, pray with someone in need, or serve in a way that seems small, we are planting seeds that heaven sees. We are only responsible for the part God calls us to do, and He will be with us when we are walking in uncharted territory.

“I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:6, MEV

Saying the Simple Yes

Every time we pause to ask, “Lord, what would You have me do right here, right now?”—we step into something holy. We join in what God is already doing. God meets us in the ordinary, everyday moments, but we must be ready to meet Him, too. Sometimes that means adjusting our schedules, lingering longer than planned, or speaking truth into someone’s weary heart. It may even feel inconvenient in the moment, but obedience rarely comes with perfect timing—it comes with purpose.

The beauty is, God isn’t asking us to figure it all out. He’s simply asking us to listen and respond. And when we do, even the smallest act of love becomes part of something eternal.

Because in the end, obedience may sound complicated—but love is simple. And God uses simple love to change lives.

Do you desire to be more intentional in your walk with God? Being obedient starts with noticing how God is moving in the ordinary moments of your day.

Download this 5 Day Devotional, “Meeting God in the Ordinary.” It is a FREE GIFT that I hope will bless your life as you plan to be more intentional in those unplanned moments.

If you haven’t gotten a copy of my book, Believing for a Miracle, take a moment to check it out!

Here is what people are saying about it . . .

Beautiful story of miraculous healing. The book is filled with scripture references and tremendous encouragement while writer shares heart felt real life situations involved with the illness and ultimate healing of her son. I highly recommend not only reading this book but sharing the story of hope that it wonderfully describes. – Verified Customer

A powerful testimony of faith & healing from a family believing for their miracle. If you find yourself waiting for a miracle, this book will build up your faith and equip you with the Word of God to give you what you need to lean in & believe. If you need a miracle, (and don’t we all?), you need this book in your arsenal.
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The post How God Uses a Simple Yes: Finding God in the Margins of Your To-Do List appeared first on Holly D. Murray.

“And don’t allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!

I was a schoolteacher. When my boys started school, I had high expectations and pushed them to do their very best. I felt it really mattered. In first grade, my eldest was writing full page essays and working through two different math and phonics curriculums along with his other subjects. My youngest completed two curriculums in one school term. I was a stickler for great scores and working hard.

Then, at age eleven, my eldest was diagnosed with cancer. As we learned to navigate a new, unexpected season, I had an epiphany. School isn’t everything. It isn’t life or death. Making straight A’s doesn’t make a person immune to trouble, nor does it make them a better person.

The Things That Really Matter

I wanted (and still want) my children to do well. It is more important, however, that they do what God wants them to do than to meet my personal standards of achievement. I needed to look at my expectations and ask, “Does it really matter?”

My children need to recognize God’s love for them. That really matters. They need to know their parents love them unconditionally. That matters, too. My children need to care more about helping other people and sharing about Jesus than any other ideal I had for them.

How quickly we can get sucked in to life’s pressures and forget what really matters. When we don’t ask what really matters, it is easy to become discouraged as we strive to do all the things and keep up with all the demands. This isn’t God’s plan. He doesn’t want us to grow weary of doing good. But we need to ask what good things God wants us to be doing in the first place. Focus on what really matters and invest our time in those areas.

Focus on What Really Matters

There is nothing wrong with encouraging our children to do their best. We all need to give our best effort. But navigate others to ask God for His help in all He calls them to do, and set the example. Think of all the good surrounding us. It’s so easy to take our blessings for granted.

To the mama who is struggling with changing schedules and the demands of teachers, relax. For the one who is trying to figure out how to solve that math problem in an untraditional way, it is going to be okay. If you find a toy in the middle of the bowl of jello or have baby powder all over the floor, take a picture. I promise you will laugh later. If you feel ready to cry because you’re so tired and the day isn’t even over, take a moment and ask God to help you. He is always listening.

Make Investments in What Matters

These problems will pass. Don’t be discouraged. We won’t always make perfect decisions, but we can give our best effort to make great investments in our family. Take a break and do something fun. Go outside and pick flowers. Throw a ball and lay in the grass. Blow on dandelions and watch the wind carry the white wispy seeds away in the cool autumn breeze. Hug your babies and tell them you love them. Tell them about Jesus and how much He loves them, too. Teach them kindness by example. Focus on what matters.

Babies grow so quickly. Blink and they are entering elementary school. Blink again and they are graduating high school. Your children won’t remember how hard tonight’s homework is or even what their classmate said that hurt their feelings. They will always remember that you took the time to be patient and encourage them, and that you pointed them to Jesus. They will remember the things that really matter.

Don’t throw in the towel. You are going to make it. The season of reaping what you are sowing is coming, and God will give you everything you need to succeed in the meantime. You are His child, after all. He wants the best for you, too.

He wants you to create sweet, memorable moments to look back on and enjoy for years to come. You have wonderful memories to create. Why not start now? Ask yourself, “Does it really matter?” Then focus on what is most important.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I am so thankful I am Your daughter. I know You see me and love me, despite my imperfections and mistakes. Forgive me for every sin I have knowingly or unknowingly committed, and I forgive and release everyone from any wrong they have done to me.

I thank You for the gifts of family and friends. Help me, Father, to focus on what You call me to do – that is what is most important. Help me not to make mountains out of mole hills and to be patient with those I love. Lead me to be a good wife, daughter, mother, and friend. Help me to point others to You.

Thank You for the beautiful memories I have already created and thank You for all the ones in my future! I love You, Father. Thank you for always loving me.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

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The post Does It Really Matter? appeared first on Holly D. Murray.