While it is wise to be alert of what is happening around you, too much attention to it can derail your calling.

Look at this:

“Horses sometimes need to be made to focus and blinders keep the horse’s eye focused on what is ahead, rather than what is at the side or behind. That is why racehorses are often given blinders – for the purpose of keeping them focused when racing round a racecourse.” (Dallas Equestrian Center)

You and I are in a race.

There are times when I see clearly what is happening around me, but the Lord nudges me to focus on what I am called to do. In essence, I’ve had to learn to keep my head down and work the land I’ve been given. Otherwise, I’ll be pulled off the task, distracted, and fruit will lack.

At times, I choose not to engage with something I see. There is a reason.

The Lord has gently, and not so gently, taught me to put blinders on.

It doesn’t make me care less. It just makes me intentional.

What God has given you in His kingdom to do has been entrusted to you and is a precious thing to the Lord. You will have to guard it like you would guard a growing baby. It’s not selfish, it’s self-less. Dying to self means giving yourself over to a life with, and for, Christ. He is now living through you to accomplish His desires. “It is no longer I who lives but Christ who lives in me.”

Some of us need to grab some blinders, so the enemy will become weary of trying to catch our attention. Our peripheral vision can be good (and wise) but it can also be a hazard.

Get your blinders on.

Your NO will be critical to accomplish the YES of God.

However, when He says, “YES,” you’ll be running like a racehorse trying to keep up with Him at times.

You will have to learn the art of “focus.”

What is capturing your attention these days? What, or who, are you preoccupied with?

If we’re not careful, we can also find ourselves chasing someone else’s destiny rather than our own, someone else’s gifting rather than our own, someone else’s vision rather than our own, or someone else’s anointing rather than our own.

Here’s the deal:

You will NEVER get what is “Theirs.”

But you will always have what is “Yours.”

Jesus does not short change anyone, and He is not partial. He is a giver by nature. There is plenty to go around. He has assigned a portion to us each. We all have a special place in His Kingdom.

Stay focused on YOUR race and those with who you are assigned to run.

Put your blinders on.

There’s coming a season to run with the racehorses.

It’s almost time to mount up.