Distracted. That’s how I’d describe most of the people I see on the road during my daily commute to work. That guy who almost cut me off? Texting. The lady who rolled through a stop sign? Checking her makeup. Me, driving a little too fast? Paying too much attention to what other people are doing.

On the road, we can switch into mental autopilot mode, hit cruise control, and take our eyes off the path that we need to stay focused on all too easily. This puts our own lives and the lives of others at risk.

But our wandering attentions don’t stop with driving. Many people live in a constant state of distraction.

If we’re not careful, we can walk through life with our eyes open but without actually looking at where we’re going. It takes focus, diligence, and intentionality to keep our eyes open and alert to reach our destination.

So where are we trying to go? If we’re children of God, there’s only one answer: to be with Him.

1 Peter 1 reminds us that God has shown amazing mercy toward us. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can be born again to a living hope: an inheritance that is perfect and will remain perfect in heaven for eternity.  And as children of God, this inheritance is ours to claim—but it’s ready at the end of a path that includes trials, temptations, and suffering. 

Satan uses these trials to divert our attention and cause us to look away from God.

God uses these trials to test our faith and draw us closer to Him.

When we face trials, we need to remember that God is near us. Going through these trials tests our faith, and it is genuine faith that brings honor and glory to God. Genuine faith allows us to see that God is with us, on our side, and by our side every step of the way.  Suffering in this life should serve as a constant reminder to look for God for strength and guidance. How we handle suffering becomes a way for others to see Christ in us and to look for God.

Travel intentionally. We have clear guidance about where we should be going and how to get there:

Matthew 6:33

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:21

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”