1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 Obstacles

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short while—in person, not in spirit—were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. [1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 NASB]

Paul had to leave Thessalonica because he was driven out by the Jews. Even though he had to leave, he told them that he is still with them in spirit - that is, he is thinking about them and praying for them.

Paul wanted to reassure them that he didn't want to leave, but was taken away, and that he still has a great affection for them. He said he wanted to return to them, but was hindered by Satan. 

This was probably a reference to the opposition he faced in Berea, where he was initially well received. We read this account in Acts;

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. [Acts 17:11-14 NASB]

You need to be careful whenever you try to apply this scripture to your own situation. I have known many people who, whenever they face an obstacle, they are convinced they are "under attack" by Satan. But not every hindrance is Satanic in nature. We read again in Acts;

They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; [Acts 16:6-7 NASB]

They tried to go to Asia, but the Spirit of God prevented them, and they ended up going to Galatia. They tried to go to Bithynia, but Spirit of God prevented them, and they ended up in Philippi and Thessalonica.

Sometimes the obstacles we face are God telling us to go in a different direction. How do you know if your obstacle is God or Satan? You can pray and ask for discernment. You may not know until long after the obstacle is gone. If that's the case, then how should you react?

American culture tells us that if you are facing an obstacle, then kick it down. No matter how great the obstacle, persist until it is overcome. But, what does the Bible say?

Using Paul as an example, let's see how he handled each situation, and what the results were. 

Had Paul persisted in going to Asia, in spite of the obstacles that God placed in his way, his ministry would likely have suffered, and we would not have the book of Galatians. Had he persisted in going to Bithynia, we would not have the books of Philippians or 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.

Had Paul persisted in going back to Thessalonica as he intended, in spite of the obstacles that Satan put in his way, he would have faced a still enraged crowd, and may or may not have been martyred early. Instead, he allowed the obstacle to change, and to a degree, direct his course, and ended up in Corinth.

Since Paul was not able to go back to Thessalonica, he decided to write a letter instead. This was the first of his letters to the churches. In the mean time, he stayed and ministered in Corinth for a year and a half.

So, no matter the source of the obstacle, Paul did not resist. Satan, no doubt, meant to hinder Paul's ministry, but what he meant for evil, God turned to good. By the way, Paul was able to visit the cities of Macedonia (which includes Thessalonica) on his return trip to Jerusalem.

Don't feel like you have push through every obstacle. You may be fighting against God. And even if you are not, God will still work it all out for the best if you trust Him.

Lord, I trust You to lead and guide me in all things. I thank you that You are in me, and that You are greater than he who is in the world.