Romans 15:22 (NKJV)

“For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.”

Expect hindrances. There’s no level of spirituality that will deliver you from hindrances. There are good and bad hindrances. Some hindrances are expected while others take us by surprise. And while some are for the devil, many are actually from God. There is no smooth sailing in this world without storms, and the good sailor always prepares for the unexpected.

Don’t be naive and expect a life without hindrances. If we expect them, then we are able to deal with them and handle them better. And truth be told, we may not always handle our storms well. There are storms that will hit us really hard and knock us to the ground, even despite our best efforts to stand strong. Paul confessed, “I have been much hindered.” He hadn’t just been hindered, he had been hindered very much! We will face different types and seasons of hindrances, and the best way to prepare for them is by daily entrusting our lives to Him who alone is able to calm the raging storms and is strong enough to see us through them. So let’s live life, expecting hindrances.

“Oh Lord, take me through the storms and don’t let them drown me. I look to You to calm the seas for me, and strengthen me to overcome. And when I am knocked down and feel defeated by these things, please Lord, pick me up again and renew my life to continue my journey. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”