Have you ever wondered if God’s work is being hindered by the things happening in our world today? Problems, delays and detours seem to plague us. Government leaders impose laws that restrict freedom or promote anti-Biblical values, the education system leads our young people away from Biblical truth, and the ongoing pandemic produces fear and curtails our ability to interact socially. In this environment, even the best of intentions can quickly be thwarted by our circumstances. Obstacles stand in our way at all levels and regularly hinder our ability to even have life as “normal”.
Now think about the life of the Apostle Paul. He was God’s mouthpiece of the gospel, a key author of the Scriptures and a vital force for planting churches throughout the ancient gentile world. In his writings we find that he was always strategizing and planning for his next move. No sooner did he get one church established that we see him anxious to get on with the work of the Lord in a new locality. He was planned and purposeful in his work for the Lord, always demonstrating a heartfelt passion for the believers across the region.
Yet, as we see in Romans 15, Paul had many hindrances that kept life from being “normal” and prevented his plans from moving forward. He writes to the church at Rome expressing frustration at not being able to come to them in person, stating “I have been much hindered from coming to you.” (v. 22). To remedy this, he laid out his future plans, saying, “whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey” (v. 24). Yet, we have no evidence that he ever made it to Spain. It is more likely that he was brought to Rome for imprisonment followed by his own execution. That’s a significant hindrance!
No one can doubt that Paul was used by God. As an apostle, God regularly spoke through Him. He always had another big plan brewing for how he could reach more people. Yet, he was often “hindered” in his work. Sometimes he was beaten. Sometimes cast out of a city. Sometimes he got shipwrecked and detoured. Sometimes he was thrown into prison. Sometimes his own health was a hindrance to him. He often expressed frustration at not being able to accomplish all that he desired to do or in the way he had planned. Hindrances got in his way all the time.
Yet, were these hindrances for God and His work? Yes, Paul’s plans were often hindered and he was redirected, slowed down and surely at times been like a wet blanket on his passionate desire to see the Lord work go forward. I’m sure he got discouraged by the hindrances. However, these hindrances were not obstacles for God. God did not have to re-chart His course or slow down His plans for how the gospel would go forth through Paul. He already knew about these problems that Paul would encounter and God’s plan INCLUDED them!
Such is our situation as well. We may look at the circumstance of life, our own personal problems, problems in government or the pandemic that we have no ability to control, and lament the fact that God’s work is being hindered. In actuality, it is OUR OWN PLANS that are being hindered. Things are not going how WE wanted them to go. The odds are stacked against US….but not God. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8) And because God continues to be in control, His work goes forward un-hindered!
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand. (lyrics from "In Christ Alone" - Keith Getty / Stuart Townend)