We made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you . . . but Satan blocked our way. (1 Thess. 2:17–18)
Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Many times in ministry I have experienced spiritual warfare. There were times I would preach and felt Satan trying to stop the message from getting to the congregation. Other times, I’ll see a distraction within the service intended to derail me or my congregants. We must be aware that we have a real enemy who is out to attack.
Paul and his ministry partners were experiencing spiritual warfare and were being blocked from seeing the Thessalonians. Every time he would try to visit them, Satan would find a way to keep it from happening. Satan wants to make us discouraged, isolated, distracted, lonely, and defeated. Paul was experiencing these struggles; he missed his friends and would do anything to be with them. Satan used this desire to cause discouragement in Paul’s life.
What Satan tried to use to destroy Paul and make him feel ineffective, the Lord used to develop spiritual muscles. Paul remained obediently faithful and continued to press on in the battle. He persevered in warfare and pushed through pain, which gave him an opportunity to grow spiritually. Warfare will come, and you will feel discouraged at times, but I encourage you to fight. Tell Satan to flee, to get out of your thoughts. Put on your armor and be a warrior that endures and pushes the enemy back.
Allow yourself to develop spiritual muscles and grow in the battle.
Nate Kingsbury is a husband, dad, and pastor. He loves being with his family, seeing people find Jesus, and investing in leaders who can impact the kingdom of God.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
