From the Word:  ”Satan hindered us” (from I Thessalonians 2:13-20)
”For we wanted to come to you - I Paul, more than once - and yet Satan hindered us.” (I Thessalonians 2:18)  Also in verse 16: “[The Jews are] hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved…”

Lord, how do I understand the issue of hindrances?  On the one hand, I fully embrace Your sovereignty in my life, that no one or no thing (nothing) can hinder You from accomplishing Your purposes in me and with me.  (See NOTE about God’s sovereignty below)

But do I take that too far?  From these verses it is obvious that Paul was facing real opposition, both from men and from Satan.  So as I take this thought and consider my own situation, where has Satan, or godless men, been hindering and opposing me?  Here in the U.S. I am free to exercise my faith, and there is little opposition compared to other countries where the gospel is culturally repressed and proselytizing is outlawed.  The worst I have experienced is social rejection, being regarded as foolish, and being left out of the ‘in’ crowd.  When I compare my low level rejection with what others have had to face, I am almost embarrassed that I haven’t taken a beating or two for Jesus! (Gotta be carelful what I wish for here…)  I want to live for Christ fervently, and I just happen to be extremely fortunate that I have not had to face the kind of opposition Paul did.

And what of my own flesh?  That may be my biggest hindrance, Lord.  Help me to recognize the reality of opposition from others as well as from sprirtual forces in heavenly places (Ephesians 6) and trust You to strengthen and protect me from these forces of evil that would otherwise overwhelm me.  My life is Yours, Lord.  May I seek Your favor, and walk in Your Spirit, that I might draw on the power and wisdom You provide to make the best choices.  O deliver us from evil, and guard us from temptation, Lord.  It is a very real war, and I must be on my guard, I must be aware of the forces of evil at work in our lives and look to You for your sovereign intervention and deliverance.  Amen.

Please pray with us this week:
Speaking of opposition, we have several close friends who currently minister in countries where the gospel is not welcome and where there is active opposition to faith in Jesus Christ.  You probably also know of missionaries who are serving in dangerous places.  As they come to mind, please pray for your friends and colaborers in Christ who are laboring for the advance of the gospel in the face of very real opposition.  Thanks.

NOTE:
After a study of the sovereignty of God several years ago, I selected some verses to memorize as follows:

God controls men and nations.
  -  I Chronicles 29:9-18
  -  Psalm 75:6-7
  -  Proverbs 16:9
  -  Proverbs 21:1
  -  Acts 17:26

God controls circumstances and events.
  -  Job 42:2
  -  Proverbs 16:4
  -  Isaiah 14:24,27
  -  Isaiah 45:5-7
  -  Ecclesiastes 3:11
  -  Jeremiah 32:27
  -  Matthew 5:44-45
  -  Mark 10:27

God controls my life.
  -  Genesis 50:20
  -  Job 23:8-14
  -  Psalm 40:1-2
  -  Psalm 138:8