Category Archives: Hindrances

Police officer directing cars at a highway road closure with traffic cones and a police car.
Bible, Direction, God's Will, Hindrances, Purpose, Romans, Scripture

FOR THIS REASON

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). 

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Abiding, Battles, Bible, Hindrances, Race, Running

HINDRANCES

GALATIANS 5:7

“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?”

We have all probably witnessed a race where one runner cuts off another runner intentionally knocking them off their course. It’s usually done when no officials are watching. This can really rattle a runner. It can cause a serious injury. You have to be aware of your surroundings and stay focused on the race. Otherwise, you are subject to all kinds of hindrances.

Paul uses a running analogy in today’s verse. He actually says, “You were running well;…” That verb “running” is the Greek word used to describe a race. Then Paul uses the Greek word egkopto which is translated “hindered.” Souter defines this as “introducing an obstacle that stands sharply in the way of a moving object.” Someone was trying to knock the Galatians off course. They didn’t want them on this journey with Christ. Hmmm, who could that have been?

APPLICATION

I know there were actual people involved in this “hindering” of the Galatians. But who was actually behind this? Who stirred them on to cause confusion in the Galatian churches? It was none other than the devil himself. He can’t “unsave” you, but he will do everything he can to take you out of the race. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, keep alert, your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” He’s real, and he’s prowling.

In a passage about forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2, Paul ends in verse 11 with this, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” If you don’t think Satan isn’t scheming ways to take you out, you are dead wrong. He is looking for ways to knock you off course, to be that hindrance.

Unfortunately, we give Satan way too many opportunities by our own actions. Then we blame him when we mess up. Not true. Satan can’t make you do one thing. He will give you temptations and opportunities, but it is your decision whether to accept that nudge. Don’t go there. I love Joshua 1:9. As Joshua was preparing to take over after Moses’ death, the Lord spoke to him and said, “‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.;” He is with you today, as well. Be strong. Take courage.

Lord, I will not allow the evil one to knock me off course. I will high jump those hindrances he puts in my path with Your strength and power.

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