“Satan Hindered Us” (1 Thess 2:18)

 “Wherefore, we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us” (vs18).

The Lord can’t be hindered in His purpose, but His saints can be hindered by the devil, according to His will. Satan can stop nothing God plans to do, but he can ruin our plans, and we’re to fight against him by knowledge, knowing it was no “accident” but an evil being who hindered us from helping God’s people. 

Remember, therefore, when difficulties come, that we are NOT to quit, as if trouble wasn’t promised - “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For truly, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know” (1 Thess 3:3-4).

So many think that Christianity is easy, but early joy gives way to trials, persecutions, and disappointments in doing God’s will (Hos 6:3-4).  I’ve seen many leave the gospel over a man or woman that they were attracted to.  Worshipping God offended the unbeliever, so the professed saint, chose peace in the home and pleasure over the Son.  It is quite foolish.

Don’t think this world is easy or that trouble stops because you’re saved, but PRESS ON to know the Lord and keep on believing Him when difficulties appear.  He who defeated Satan at Calvary, and who cast him out in regeneration, is He that defeats Satan in the day by day struggle (Luke 11:21-22). He cannot tempt or hinder us above what we can handle by God’s power, and there is grace sufficient.  Paul told Timothy, “Be not you therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be you partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Tim 1:8). 

There is abundant power to overcome obstacles, so they don’t have to make us fear or quit. They don’t rule God, He accounts for them, and He shall save you from them all, “Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us” (2 Cor 1:10). Trust God when attacked by Satan, but don’t join teams with him, submitting to his evil will and missing out on your hope.  Don’t leave the fountain of waters for broken cisterns that cannot satisfy or save - “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jer 2:13).  Don’t leave God for Satan, simply because the battle is hot.

Satan deceives you, and peace with him is no peace at all.  You must believe, that in spite of unbelief and sin, God is greater, on your side, and you have power against your foes (2 Kings 6:16).  You will not be defeated, and you will win.