God's purposes always prevail

Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 NLT

It was difficult for Paul to be separated from the believers at Thessalonica. This was the reason why he longed to see them. In his mind, he felt that there was still a connection; “though our hearts never left you.” But he wished he could be with them in person, to see them again. Paul, Silas, and Timothy felt the grief of not having a fellowship with these believers in Thessalonica. That is why they were very anxious to be with them so they can have a reunion. So much have been invested in the life of believers in Thessalonica, nurturing them in their walk with the Lord, and this is the reason why it was difficult to accept that despite their efforts to see them, Satan hindered them. We were not told how Satan prevented their travel but it was clear that within certain limits men’s affairs can be distressed. In times of trouble and difficulties, we have to have the right perspective in life. We should not forget that God’s plans and purposes will not be thwarted. God will work out His eternal purposes. There are times that we might feel that the enemy of God is winning because of the events that have been happening. But we should not make such presumption for God does not leave His throne and is still in control. We can be downhearted or confused because of what is happening in our life, but we should not give in to despair. Instead, we have to look to God and His word and believe His promise that “‘All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’” (Daniel 4:35). When the Lord Jesus Christ suffered in the hands of His accusers, both the Jews and the Gentiles, they seemed to have stopped the plan of God. Then, when they executed Him by hanging Him at the cross, Satan seemed to have won and Jesus did not succeed in His purpose to provide salvation. But it is clear that what God’s enemies did only happen because “everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will” (Acts 4:28). In times of trials and difficulties, we must have the long view of things and have the godly perspective that will sustain us so that we will not give up. Let us trust God believing that His purposes will prevail.

Blessings,