Joel Osteen - Don't Get Side-Tracked

Today we’re talking about not getting sidetracked from the path God has for us, because distractions like compromise, wrong relationships, and offenses can keep us from our destiny. Drawing from Proverbs 4:26–27 and stories like Samson, David, and Gehazi, the message is clear: recognize distractions, make course corrections while there’s grace, and stay focused to fulfill God’s purpose.

God’s Best Path vs. Deadly Distractions

I want to talk to you today about not getting sidetracked. God has a best path for all of our lives, a path that leads to our divine purpose. It is filled with opportunity, favor, and protection, but along the way there will be forces trying to get us off course through compromise, hanging around the wrong people, living offended. These are all distractions to keep us from our destiny. The enemy cannot stop your purpose, but if he can get you sidetracked, entangled, fighting battles that do not matter, busy doing good things but not the best, then he can keep you from your purpose.

What Proverbs Warns Us About

Proverbs 4:26–27 says, «Look straight ahead. Stick to the path and stay safe. Do not get sidetracked.» God knew there would be all these opportunities to get off course. If you are going to reach your highest potential, you have to recognize what is a distraction and what is important, what you should spend your time with, what is valuable, what is making you better, causing you to grow, and what is dragging you down and causing you to compromise.

Paul said in Ephesians 5:15–16 to «make the most of your time,» not living vague but with purpose in every step. Time is one of the most valuable things that you have. Once we live this day, you can never get it back. Just like you spend your money, you are spending your time, but your time is more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you cannot make more time.

Are You Investing or Wasting Your Time?

Are you investing your time living with purpose, on course, pursuing your dreams? Or are you wasting your time, living vague, distracted, playing on social media, taking the easy way out? This day is a gift from God. We have a responsibility to live focused, wisely, making the most of it. On a regular basis you need to evaluate how you are spending your time: are you on that best path, honoring God, doing what He put in your heart? Or have you gotten sidetracked, holding a grudge, mad at that family member, jealous of that coworker, trying to outperform them, hanging around friends that bring out the worst in you?

The Good News: You Can Get Back on Course!

The fact is we have all gotten off course at times, made mistakes, been distracted. The good news is you can get back on course. It is not too late, you have not gotten too far off, you can still become who you were created to be. Now you have to do your part and make a course correction. Recognize what is a distraction, an entanglement, what has got you busy, spinning wheels but not going anywhere. Make the necessary adjustments; you have a destiny to fulfill. There is a calling on your life, an assignment for you to accomplish.

How you spend your time will determine whether you fulfill that best plan and see God do more than you can imagine, or whether you get stuck and have to settle for a life of mediocrity.

Samson’s Supernatural Start — And Deadly Drift

In the scripture, Samson’s birth was prophesied by the prophets. His mother was barren, and an angel appeared and said she would bear a son, and he would lead the Israelites, and that his hair was never to be cut. The long hair was a sign that he was dedicated to God. She gave birth to Samson. I can imagine as a little boy she told him, «Samson, there is a calling on your life. An angel appeared to me, you are going to do something great.» He had heard this since he was a child.

One time when he was a young man, he was walking down a road and this lion attacked him. The scripture (Judges 14:6) says, «The spirit of the Lord powerfully took control of him; he ripped the lion apart with his bare hands.» That was the first time he recognized there was something different about him; this strength rose up out of nowhere. He knew he had this incredible calling, that God had raised him up to save his people.

Why the Enemy Targets Your Focus

But whenever you have a great assignment, the enemy will always come with distractions, with temptations, opportunities to compromise. He will bring people to try to bait you into conflict. That is not a part of your destiny. His goal is to get you sidetracked, off course, where you are not focusing on what you are called to do. You are entangled in things that do not matter. You may wonder why people come against you, and you struggle with that same temptation, you do not feel like being disciplined. It is because there is a great calling on your life.

The enemy would leave you alone if he did not know you were a threat. He is not fighting you for where you are; he is fighting you for where you are going. He knows there is greatness in you. And sometimes he can see our potential better than we can. He knows you are a giant killer, a history maker, you are destined to take your family to new levels. So what is his strategy? Get you distracted, jealous, compromising, busy doing things that are not a part of your destiny.

Samson’s Shocking Compromises

You would think Samson, since he had this supernatural strength and he had heard about the angel prophesying his birth, would go out of his way to make good decisions and be responsible with what God had given him. But he let his guard down, started hanging around the wrong people. He married a girl from the city of Timnah; she was a Philistine. Well, the Philistines were the ones oppressing the Israelites. He was supposed to deliver them from the Philistines; instead he is sleeping with the Philistines.

He had this incredible gift, all this power. What does he do? He starts telling riddles to the enemy. He made a bet, «If you can figure out my riddle, I will give you sixty white robes. If not, you give me sixty robes,» playing games, not focused on the destiny he was called to.

How Playing Games Cost Samson Everything

This led to all kinds of conflict: he killed a thousand Philistines, he tore the gates of the city and carried them off; they could not figure out how to stop him. He fell in love with another Philistine woman named Delilah. She kept asking him about where his power came from, and he would make up things and tease her but would never tell her the secret was his long hair. And she nagged him, nagged him, and nagged him. A man can only take so much nagging; he finally gave in. The Philistines cut his hair while he was sleeping.

They came to capture him; he stood up ready to fight like he always did, but this time there was no supernatural strength, no power to overcome. He had lost what God had given him. I can imagine many times along the way he heard a still small voice saying, «Come on, Samson, get back on course. Quit playing around with your destiny. Be responsible for what I have entrusted you with.»

Grace Has Limits — Don’t Frustrate It

God will always give us opportunities to have a course correction. He does not hold our faults against us; He does not say, «Man, you are done, you made too many mistakes,» but there will come a time where that window of grace will close, where if you are not going to be responsible with the gifts, the favor, the opportunity, God will force things to change. It does not mean you are not going to have another chance, but He is not going to let you stay off course and be comfortable. Just ask Jonah sitting in the belly of a whale.

Samson could always count on this supernatural strength, thinking, «I can tell riddles, I can compromise, I can hang out with the enemy, no big deal. I have got a secret weapon.» But Paul said in Galatians 2:21, «I do not frustrate the grace of God.» God will never run out of grace, never run out of mercy, but if you take it for granted, it may not be there in the same way.

Samson’s Story Has a Hopeful Ending

Samson’s story is not in the scripture to depress us; it actually has a good ending. It is there to challenge us to make course corrections. Pay attention to that still small voice, that thing that is bothering your conscience. You know that friend is not good for you, you need to spend more time with your children, less on the computer. Or you need to ignore that coworker that gets on your nerves and not let it upset you every day. That is the enemy trying to get you sidetracked. You do not have time for that.

The angel may not have prophesied your birth like Samson, but before you were formed in your mother’s womb, the Most High God knew you and planned out your days. He has given you gifts, talents, opportunities. Are you making the most of each day, spending your time wisely? Or have you gotten sidetracked, like Samson playing with the enemy, compromising, not serious about your gifts?

Life’s Flying By — No Time for Distractions!

This is time for course correction, to get focused, to be on purpose, to make decisions that honor God. Life is going by so fast. Seems like just yesterday I graduated from high school; look up now I am fifty-something years old. We do not have time to be distracted. We have a purpose to fulfill.

It is interesting in the parable Jesus told about the talents. One man had one, another had two, and the third had five. They all went out and doubled what they had, except the man with one. He was afraid and hid his talent. The owner said, «Take from him the one and give it to the one who has ten.» The scripture says about the man who has used well what was given him.

What Happened When Samson Wasted His Gift

The point is: if you do not use well what has been given to you, eventually it will be taken away. That is what happened to Samson: he did not fulfill the best plan, having his eyes gouged out, grinding at the mill, the enemy making fun of him. That was not God’s best. Now, I do not want us to come to the end of life and be like Samson, «Man, I made it, but we are beat up: broke, addicted, lonely.» That is not your destiny.

Samson would have had a different story if he had not gotten sidetracked. This should stir us up to stay focused, to stay on course, to deal with things that we know are not right.

Little Distractions That Steal Your Destiny

There is no shame in getting off course; we are human, we make mistakes, but there is shame in staying off course. No matter what you have done, how much time you have wasted, you can still get back on course. You are in a window of grace today. You have not missed your chance. You would not be hearing this if God was not giving you the mercy, the grace, and the power to make changes.

But sometimes it is not the major things, not like we got way off course like Samson; it is just little things that are taking our time and energy. Jealous of a coworker, competing with him, trying to prove your worth and prove your talent. If you live with that proving mentality, it is like you are on a treadmill that is never going to stop, because there will always be someone more talented, more attractive, more successful. That is a distraction. You are not running their race.

Stop Comparing — Run YOUR Race!

The only person you should compete with is yourself. Have a goal to be better next year than you are right now: to be healthier, smarter, kinder, more generous, to be closer to God. You will never reach your potential if you are competing with others, basing your worth and value on how you measure up to them. Successful people are so focused on what they are doing, they do not have time to look around at others.

One translation of Proverbs 4:26 says, «Do not look to the left or to the right; stay focused on the goal.» Quit competing, quit comparing, and run your race.

The 27-Year Heartbreak That Stole Decades

I talked to a gentleman after service, and he told how a relationship he was in did not last. He had given it his best, but the woman had other ideas and walked away and broke his heart. So angry and bitter. I realize that is very painful, and things happen in life we do not understand. There is a time where we have to heal and give ourselves grace to get strong again, but you cannot let a season of mourning turn into a lifetime of mourning.

If you do not let it go, it will poison your life. And he was so raw and so upset, I thought it happened a month ago. I asked when it took place. He said, «This happened in 1997.» I did not say anything, but I calculated in my mind—that was 27 years ago.

Let Go of the Ashes to Get the Beauty

And yes, we all have hurts, disappointments, bad breaks, but at some point you have to move on with your life. The enemy would love to use that hurt to get you sidetracked, to where you live bitter, chip on your shoulder, never expecting anything good. The problem with not letting it go is it is going to poison the next relationship.

God said He would give you beauty for those ashes, but I have learned: you have to let go of the ashes before you will see the beauty. You are not making the most of each day if you are holding on to unforgiveness, trying to pay people back. They hurt you once; do not let them continue to hurt you by holding on to it.

The Guy Driving Miles to Prove a Point

It takes a lot of emotional energy to think about what they did and how that was not right. You need that energy to love the people God has given you now, to play with your children, to pursue your dreams. Years ago I was driving with a friend of mine to his house after we came from the gym. We had just played some basketball, and he invited some of us over, and I jumped in the car to ride with him.

He had a real nice sports car and he kept it super clean. On the way to his house I noticed he took the long way, three or four miles out of the way, winding through this neighborhood. And I asked him why. He said, «My ex-girlfriend lives on this street, and I always drive by to make sure she sees what she missed out on.» They had been broken up for years, but he was still driving by every chance he got, trying to prove he was worthy and prove he was successful, prove he could make it without her.

Wasting Time on an Empty House

He could not see it, but he was distracted, spending time and energy on something that did not matter. Do not let that be you. Are you using well what God has given you, or have you gotten sidetracked, trying to prove to people who you are, jealous of that friend, offended by that coworker? Your time is too valuable for that.

The funny thing about my friend is he found out later that his ex-girlfriend had moved to another state. He had been driving by that house for two years, and she was not even there. God has a sense of humor.

David Almost Lost Everything Over One Fool

In 1 Samuel 25, David and his 600 men were living out in the countryside. This is when Saul was chasing David. And there was a wealthy man named Nabal that lived right next door. He had thousands of sheep and cattle, and David and his army had been protecting Nabal by just being in that area. When bandits came and they saw David’s forces, they would naturally back down.

Well, it was time for shearing the sheep, the harvest season, so David sent messengers to Nabal asking for food since they had watched over his property. But Nabal was very rude and harsh—his name means «fool,» and he lived up to it. He said, «Who is this man David? I do not even know him. You tell him I am not going to give him a penny.» He insulted David.

Not Every Battle Is Worth Fighting

When the men came back with that report, David was furious. He told his men to pack up their belongings; they were going to go take care of Nabal. But here is the key: you are not supposed to fight every battle. Many of the things that come against us are simply distractions. If that battle is not between you and your destiny, you need to ignore it. That is the enemy trying to get you sidetracked, involved in conflict that does not matter.

You have to ask yourself: are there any spoils? If you win, is it going to move you toward your purpose, or is it just going to feed your ego, make you feel better? You do not have time to respond to every critic, to try to straighten out every coworker, make that friend stop saying things that are not true.

God’s Got Your Enemies — Stay Focused

One of the enemy’s favorite tools is to bait you into conflict, get you stirred up. Do not fall into that trap. Your time is valuable. Your energy, your emotions—you have to be selective what you give that to. If you make the mistake of fighting every battle, you are not going to have the time or the emotional energy to reach your purpose. The scripture says God will silence the lying lips. If you will ignore it, God will take care of your enemies.

David headed toward Nabal’s house so upset, full speed ahead, about to make a mistake that would affect his destiny. Here is how good God is: Nabal’s wife Abigail met David on the road with all kinds of food and provision. She bowed down before him; in verse 24 she said, «David, you are called to be the king of Israel. Why would you even fight with this fool? Do not let this needless battle be a blemish on your record.»

Why Waste Time Fighting Fools?

Notice, she called it a needless battle. She knew it was a distraction. David came to his senses. He said (1 Samuel 25:32), «Abigail, the Lord God of Israel has sent you to me today. For if you had not kept me from carrying out vengeance, not one of your family members would be alive.»

In life we are all going to encounter Nabals—people that are rude, hard to get along with, that stir up trouble. I will ask you what Abigail asked David: «Why are you fighting with a fool? Why are you in conflict with someone that is not between you and your destiny? They are a distraction, trying to get you off course, wasting valuable time and energy that you need for your dreams.»

God Sends «Abigails» to Warn You

Had Abigail not intervened and kept David out of that conflict, we might not be talking about David today. God will always send you an Abigail to warn you when you are about to get sidetracked. Maybe today I am that Abigail; God sent me to remind you not to get baited into conflict. You could be upset, offended, trying to pay them back. All that is going to do is get you off course and keep you from the great things God has in store.

What they say cannot stop your purpose. They may be loud, jealous, noisy—they are just a Nabal. You keep running your race, focused on what God has called you to do, and God will take care of the Nabals in your life.

Gehazi’s Greed That Cost His Future

Elijah in the scripture had an assistant named Elisha. He left his family business as a young man to take care of Elijah. He served him faithfully through the years. When Elijah was about to pass, he asked Elisha what he wanted. Elisha said a double portion of his spirit; that is what he received. There are twice as many miracles recorded for Elisha than Elijah.

Well, Elisha had an assistant named Gehazi. He served Elisha year after year. Everything was going great; he was next in line to do amazing things, being mentored by this great prophet. One day a captain of the Syrian army came to Elisha; he had leprosy. Elisha told him to go wash in the Jordan River seven times; he would be healed. When he did, his skin was perfectly normal.

He came back to Elisha so grateful, so happy; he tried to pay him, do something to show his gratitude, but Elisha would not take it. He knew it was God that healed him and not him. The captain pleaded with him, said, «Please, let me leave you some gold or silver, something to help you.» Again, Elisha refused.

One Sneaky Decision Ended It All

Well, Gehazi was there overhearing all this. The captain and his entourage headed back home; Gehazi snuck out of the camp without Elisha knowing, caught up with them. They were surprised, asked what was wrong. He said, «Nothing is wrong, but we had some unexpected guests show up. Elisha changed his mind; he would like some of those gifts that you offered.» He got the money and came back to the house, thinking nobody knew anything, but God sees everything; He is the one that controls the universe. Promotion does not come from people; it comes from God.

Elisha called him in and said, «Gehazi, where have you been?» He said, «Nowhere. I have just been here hanging out.» The scripture says immediately Gehazi’s skin was filled with leprosy. What is interesting is you never read anything more about Gehazi in the scripture. We hear all about Elijah, how great he was, Elisha and the miracles he performed. Gehazi was next in line. He should have had four times the anointing of Elijah, but distractions can keep you from your purpose. Being sidetracked can stop your destiny.

The Man Gehazi Could Have Been

Gehazi thought, «Man, if I can just get a few of these gifts underhanded, nobody will know and that will put me way ahead.» He did not realize God would have blessed him in much greater ways by being a person of honor, staying on that high road. My father had a message about Gehazi called «The Man You Could Have Been.» Do not miss the greatness God put in you because you got sidetracked.

Listen to the still small voice. Pay attention when your conscience is bothered and learn to deal with those things God brings to light. We are not going to be here forever; let us make the most of each day.

It’s Never Too Late — Samson’s Final Victory

«Well, Joel, I think it is too late for me. I am like Gehazi; I think I missed my chance.» Let me show you the beauty of our God: Samson made mistakes year after year, was not a good steward with what God gave him, ended up blind, in captivity, but the scripture says the Spirit of God came on Samson one more time. Samson defeated more Philistines in his death than he did his whole life.

That is what happens when you get back on course. God does not hold your mistakes against you.

Your Course-Correction Starts Today!

Is there any area you need to make a course correction? Holding on to unforgiveness, trying to prove your worth? Or like Samson, playing around with your gift? Do not go another week like that. If you put it off a week, it will turn into a year, a year into twenty years.

You can get back on course today. God’s mercy, His grace is available; you just have to tap into it. If you will do this, I believe and declare: God is going to help you get back on the best path for your life. The favor, the ability, the blessing—you will fulfill your purpose and become all you were created to be, in Jesus' name.

And if you receive it, can you say amen?