One Step Forward...

18  For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us.
1 Thess 2:17-18 (NASB)

Help me out here. Who was it that said "the more faster I go, the more behinder I get."? Was it brer rabbit? I can't remember. Anyway ever feel that way? Yeah, I understand.  That's one of the marks of a soldier of the Lord. Even the Apostle Paul was hindered more than once from going to see the church in Thessalonica. Ya see, if you are trying to live as best as you can for Jesus, trying to do the right thing, then you can EXPECT to be hindered and harassed. It's what satan does. Even the Lord Jesus Christ endured satan's schemes.

13 When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.
Luke 4:13 (NASB)

The key word in that passage is opportune. Satan departed only until a more convenient or opportune moment showed itself. Look back at the verse in Thessalonians. Hindered

Greek NASB Number: 1465

Greek Word: ἐγκόπτω

Transliterated Word: egkoptô
Root: from 1722 and 2875;

Definition: to cut into, i.e. fig. impede, detain:--

List of English Words and Number of Times Used
hindered (3),
prevented (1),
weary (1).

—NASB Greek-Hebrew Dictionary

To cut into. This actually meant to cut into or break up a road that a person was travelling. It's like walking in a field that has only been tilled once. You know there are large clumps of earth and holes where you sink into. Not that I have ever plowed a field but I have tilled a backyard veggie garden. Does that count? lol.Anyway that is the picture this word hindered is trying to project. As you walk through this life,satan will throw every imaginable obstacle to hinder your progress.  You know how it goes. You pledge an extra amount for the building fund and the AC in the house goes out when you get home. Or you decide to give the Lord a little time in prayer and study and you guessed it. Little Johnny or Mary hurts themselves. The phone starts ringing off the wall or any of a zillion irritations and delays start popping up. That's called a hindrance. Well, rest assured brother or sister you are not alone.

12  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
1 Peter 4:12 (NASB)

But, know this also. God has promised to get you through it and out on the other side. Read the next verse in 1Peter.

13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
1 Peter 4:13 (NASB)

One preacher put it like this"we aren't on a cruise ship, we're on a battleship." Committed to giving materially to the Lord and all financial h--- is breaking loose on your checkbook? Take heart.

38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
Luke 6:37-38 (NASB)

Trying to do the right thing and keep getting knocked back? Hang in there.

9  Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Gal 6:8-9 (NASB)

If He brought you to it, He'll get you through it.
Help all of us Lord God to keep walking. Amen?!!

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Psalms 23:1 (NASB)


God Bless