There are so many things that can distract us while we’re driving. It’s hard to remain focused!

We got caught in a winter storm a few weeks ago. As the snow began to fall, I mentioned to my wife that this was a bad time to be driving, for the highway begins to get slick but people still go the speed limit or above. As I slowed down, people continued to fly by, and—sure enough—within a short distance we came upon a truck that had rolled over. Fortunately the two young men and the dog that emerged from the vehicle seemed to be fine, just a little shook up.

Once we got going again, it was hard to believe the way people were still driving. Having just seen a truck rolled over, you would think that they would slow down. Within 15 miles we came to a “parking lot” on the road. We saw 4 cars or so in the ditch. But that was nothing, for we found out later—after detouring off the non-moving expressway—that nearly 50 cars had been involved in crashes and slide offs on the road. People were injured, but—thankfully—none were killed.

It’s time for us to drive in a focused way—focused on what’s truly important. We need to be aware of our surroundings, not divided in our attention. I have been guilty of talking on the phone, eating, trying to read something . . . all while driving. As much as I would have hoped others would have slowed down seeing the flipped truck, I must learn from their poor examples, and change my habits. Last night I refrained form eating or calling as I drove home. I remained focused even though I wanted to eat that sandwich (and I needed to talk to multiple people).

What’s distracting you? Is there sin in your life? Are there too many good things that are occupying your time and attention? Are you simply too busy with your work? Are family matters keeping you occupied? Are sports and recreation commanding your attention? Listen to Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB95):
¹ Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Is your focus on Jesus? It’s so important to wait on Jesus, to slow down, and to celebrate Him. The question is, how do we continue to remain focused on Him as we live in this world of distractions? Part of the answer is found in you and me—how we help each other remain focused. Will you help me  drive undistracted and live undistracted?

—submitted by Steve DeHaan, US