Stuff and Circumstances

11.28.2010

1 Thessalonians 2:18 18 ...because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. ESV

Hmmm, whatever do you suppose Paul could’ve meant: Satan hindered us? There’s a lot of theology at stake here; I mean if God is large and in charge and Paul wanted to visit them again and again, what could it possibly mean that Satan hindered [them]?

To me, there are two possibilities that are shared in this passage: one is Paul in fear and worry wanted to visit them (v. 2.18); and the other, “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you...” (1 Th 3:11).

Sometimes timing is everything. Sometimes the car has a dead battery; sometimes the kids get sick – sometime stuff happens. I think Paul had to stand back at times and declare that despite his best efforts, Satan hindered him. I tend to think Paul was a little impatient in this situation or a little anxious when he shouldn’t have been and as a result God allowed stuff and circumstances to get in Paul’s way, in order to show Paul His sufficiency, and Paul’s own motives.

I lean toward this way of thinking because Paul made the statement: “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you...” Maybe Paul realized he wasn’t going anywhere until God did the directing – and anxiety and impatience were not going to be the mediums to get the job done but patience and trust were.

For over two years now we have tried to sell our house and tried to change our living situation and have been hindered by circumstances beyond our control. I think I’m finally getting to that place of saying, Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, meet all of our needs according to Their majestic will and purpose; and may we be amazed at how They do so… Trusting is so much better than worrying…

Father in Heaven,
You are never hindered. Maybe You were dealing with Paul – probably one of the greatest saints ever – who possibly was struggling with doubt, worry, fear, and self. Maybe he was hindered until he redirected his focus and his faith back to You. May I do the same; and thank You that You are always Large and in Charge – amen.