ROMANS 15:22

“For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;”

Have you ever wondered why things happen the way they do? Often you can’t see any reason for it. You wonder if you had done something else you could have prevented it. You second guess yourself. The truth is, as followers of Christ, everything that happens in our life has a reason. I have often said that nothing can touch us that God does not allow. And if God allows it, He can see us through it.

Paul uses a little Greek conjunction at the beginning of today’s verse that ties the previous verses to these words. It’s dio which can mean “because-therefore, on account which therefore.” (HELPS Word-studies). It has the idea of two directions -backward and forward. Paul is saying because of my past actions I could not move in your direction. Barnes says Paul is saying, “I have been so entirely occupied in this leading purpose of my life, that I have not been able to come to you.”

And the word translated “been prevented” is egkóptō “(from en, ‘in’ and kóptō, ‘cut’) – properly, cut into (like blocking off a road).” (HELPS Word-studies) I was coming home the other day and when I got to the 4-way stop near my house, the whole road was blocked by utility trucks installing new power lines for a new subdivision being built. I had to turn around and go a much longer route home. What was a ¼ mile trip became a 5 mile one. That is what Paul is saying. He had roadblocks in his path to them which led to other ministry opportunities, all directed by the Lord.

APPLICATION

How can this short simple verse about Paul’s dilemma apply to us? Think back to the roadblocks in your life. I bet, if you are like me, you complained and whined. Spurgeon once said that ten minutes of praying was worth so much more than a whole year of murmuring. God has a reason for our delays. Remember, His timing is always perfect. He will place those roadblocks in your life to redirect you to the place He wants you to go. He will hinder your ideas so you will rely on His.

Now, I know that Satan will also try to change your course. He will place things in your path to entice and deceive you. However, Satan is not God’s co-equal. He does not have the power to thwart God’s will for your life if you are surrendered to it and trust. If God closes a door, look for the open window. He will not leave you with no direction wandering aimlessly. Listen to His voice.

Lord, it is hard to accept some of the roadblocks You place in our lives, but I know You see the whole picture so I trust You.

 ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).