Romans 1:13 (NKJV)

“Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also…”

Paul was not murmuring or grumbling when his plans were hindered time and again. He didn’t say who hindered him, but he knew that he had some good work he needed to do ahead of him, and he was unable to do it because of hindrances. So how do we react when we are hindered? Can we still see good coming out of the hindrances? Or do we complain and enter into a foul mood, or a depression?

My convictions in life are simple: If I have done my best and my plans still don’t work out, then I need to have inner peace and rest because God is certainly up to something that I don’t know about. I am convinced that Satan can only succeed to hinder me if God permits him. Also, I know that there is no guarantee that God will back me up because I want to do a good thing or accomplish some ministry project. God is sovereign and He is working out all things together for His own glory, in His own way and in His own time. Make plans. Work hard. Pray earnestly. But when hindrances come that you cannot control or overcome, rest in God’s love, goodwill and sovereignty.

“Lord, I know You permit some hindrances that I may not understand, but please Lord, give me rest and peace when I cannot change my situation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”