28 February - Satan Blocked Our Way
“But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.”
1 Thessalonians 2:17-18
Paul had great plans to visit Thessalonica, but he says, ‘Satan hindered us’ (v.18). He tried many times, but there were hindrances over and over again. The believers in Thessalonica had undergone great challenges, trials and persecutions and yet they held on to the Lord. Paul wanted to visit them and personally encourage them, but the devil hindered him!
The last 30 years as a servant of God, I have faced many hindrances in the ministry, though not as much as Paul faced, yet the inner struggle and frustrations have been very painful. One of the things I had learned as a combat engineer is that, when there is an obstacle, retreat, re-strategize, pray and wait upon the Lord and then move on forward. This has seen me come thus far in my ministry.
Back in 1995, I was on my way to Mentakab, Pahang from Kota Baru, Kelantan, and some 550 km away to baptize about 45 souls. My car tire blew and 5 of us ended up in the ravine! Praise God, none of my youths were injured. It was only me, bleeding from my forehead and I had serious neck-pain. Subsequently, I had to undergo a c5- c6 surgery. I realized that the devil was not happy and wanted to stop me from bringing the souls into the Kingdom of God. My pain and blood did not stop me from continuing my journey to the 7th Ranger Camp in Mentakab. I baptized them first, only then did I go to the hospital for further treatment. I praise God for some of those whom I had baptized on that day are now serving the Lord as priests including the Reverend John Layang in our Diocese and a few others, in the Diocese of Kuching.
Beloved, obstacles and hindrances will come our way as we serve God in many forms, but if we are focused on the Lord, the Lord will see us through in life. Paul did not stop, but he persevered on, so much so he says in Philippians 3:13-14, ‘I press on…’ Paul was focused on the call he had from God and he was a successful servant of God. As a child of God, let us not focus on the powers of the devil, but on the power of God. Let us be overcomers in life!
During this Lent season, let us draw close to God. May we experience God in an intimate way just like Paul who testified to a powerful and victorious Christian life, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
PONDER
What are the obstacles you face in your spiritual journey? Do you think these obstacles are due to your own lack of discipline or mistake, or do you think Satan is at work to discourage you?
PROMISE
Stay focused on God’s mission. Persevere in Jesus’ name. It is said that the only bird that will peck at an eagle is the crow. It sits on the eagle’s back and bites its neck. The eagle does not respond nor fight with the crow. It doesn’t waste time nor energy on the crow. It simply opens its wings and begins to rise higher and higher in the sky. The higher the flight, the harder it is for the crow to breathe. Eventually, the crow falls due to the lack of oxygen. So, stop wasting time with the “crows” in your life. Just take them to the heights; to the Lord in prayer. Focus on the Lord and not on the surrounding distractions and obstacles. Draw near to God and the Devil will flee, eventually!
PRAYER
O Lord, grant me the strength to persevere and overcome obstacles. Help me draw close to you daily and fulfil your perfect will in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Article by the Venerable Jacob George John, Vicar of All Souls’ Church, Cameron Highlands and Archdeacon of the Eastern Archdeaconry.