May 12, 2016: SOAP #2352: 2Sam 24; 1Chron 21; Ps 30; 1Thess 2

Scripture: 1Thessalonians 2:18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan stopped us.

Observation: It was not others who were trying to convince Paul that he should make another visit, but Paul, himself, who greatly desired to visit them again. Although Paul does not go into the specifics as to how he was stopped, yet he clearly gives Satan credit. Various translations give it “stopped,” or “hindered,” or “blocked.”

Satan, who was actively involved in the garden tempting Eve, was actively involved in keeping Paul from another visit to Thessalonica. However, although Paul could not visit them in person, he did write this letter. And though we would have had very little information about what he would have said during such a visit, we do have every thought preserved in this letter. Wow! Paul’s visit would have ministered to those living in Thessalonica in the first century, but Paul’s letter ministers to Leon in the 21^st century! This is just another example that what the Devil meant for evil, God can use for eternal good!

Application: Satan is not omnipresent, so he cannot be present in more than one place at a time. But there are many demons who do his bidding and carry out his attack on God’s children. Many times I have experienced things that Satan meant for evil turned to good by God’s over riding power and authority!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, it is a great privilege to serve you, the most powerful being in all of the universe. You take broken plans and work them out for my good and your glory! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!