Our reading in 1 Thessalonians 2:17 opens with Paul writing to the Thessalonians that he had been “torn away…” from them even though he made every effort to stay in Thessalonica and be there with his church family.
When I read these words, I picture a war like scene where children are ripped from the loving arms of their fathers and mothers and taken away.
Paul loved this young Thessalonican church like they were his own flesh and blood. It pained him when he was forced to leave, and he ached for the time when he could be reunited with them once again.
And isn’t it just like Satan to tear us apart from our loved ones.
We see in verse 18:
“For we wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul, did, again and again – but Satan stopped us.”
Satan is always trying to hinder us, stop us…create destruction in lives.
He divides families, friends, nations and yes, even churches.
Why? Because he knows we are stronger when we are together. When we are alone and isolated, we are more tempted to be discouraged, to give up, to think the work we are doing doesn’t matter. When we are alone, we are more tempted to listen to his lies.
But even in this heartache of pain…God was not thwarted.
Satan may have thought he had won this battle by forcing Paul to leave this young Thessalonian church…but God had something better in mind.
Out of Paul’s heartache and deep love for the men and women in this church, God inspired him to write 1st & 2nd Thessalonians. A letter written to a young church encouraging it to stay strong with the reminder that Jesus Christ will soon return. God has used these two powerful letters to encourage and give hope to millions of Christians throughout the ages.
What Satan meant to hinder, stop, tear apart…God used to unite and strengthen His children in their time of need.
Make no mistake. What may appear as a setback to you, might be just the thing God is going to use as your comeback.
When it came to what brought Paul joy, it wasn’t his accomplishments but instead his people. Because of Paul’s love for God and his father-like love for this young church, he considered them his greatest joy, just like God does for us.
Like he did to Paul, Satan will put obstacles in your life; he will try to stop you and discourage you from loving others well. But choose to love anyway.
You never know what God is up to…
Let’s Talk: How has God taken something that appeared as a setback and turned it around as a comeback?
Love God Greatly!
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Thank you for your inspiration and relevance to me this morning. I can think of several ways this applies in my life, but in December 2009, I was suddenly stricken with a spinal cord condition, Transverse Myelitis, being paralyzed from the waist down. I spent almost 4 months in rehab learning to walk again with a walker, then my father passed away in April. I learned in August 2011, my husband had been having an affair for about a year and a half, so he left me with my daughter being my primary caregiver. I became extremely depressed, but God brought me out of the depression, and I have a real relationship with Him. LGG Bible studies have played a huge part in my journey! I love and thank you all for your ministry. Carol Waldrup
Carol,
Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your story. What amazing things God has done and continues to do in your life! We are so glad LGG has been a part of your journey. Please know we are lifting you and your family in prayer. God Bless You!
Thank you for sharing this. Not necessarily one incident, but I know when I persevere in sharing the gospel with non-believers, He is near, He is faithful and He is pleased. I also know Satan doesn’t want the gospel shared and can easily distract, or tear apart situations I have tried to unite with His word. It is nice to hear Paul reminding the church that they are joy to him in doing God’s work
Monica,
Thank you for joining us on the blog today and sharing with us. Satan does try to tear apart the good works we are doing, but don’t lose faith. We are not responsible for the results, but we are required to speak up and share The Good News with others. God Bless You!