The Enemy’s #1 Weapon Against Your Calling (and How to Overcome It)

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. 💛

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✨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✨

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✨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!✨

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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.”

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Free Gift Just for You!

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

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.