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.