There are times when we want to be with someone or experience something that Satan will prevent our physical connection.

Paul addressed this issue in his first letter to the Thessalonians,
“We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us” (I Thessalonians 2:18). The word “prevent” in this verse has been translated as “to hinder” or “impede.” At the point where the hindering prevented a connection, Paul had to move on and trust any future connection with the Thessalonians to God.

How should we deal with Satan’s delaying tactics? Initially, we should confront them in faith while seeking their source. However, if the delaying tactics prevail and God does not open the way, it’s time for us to move on, entrusting our delayed visit into the hands of God.

The Kingdom of God is not always about advancing. There are times when the Lord will redirect us from our original plan, and a detour will take place. Because only God is omniscient, we may never know the reason for the delay. The Lord will use our redirection to become part of His greater plan, something Satan did not realize when he tried to hinder our original connection.

When we have done everything we can to make a connection happen, and the door does not open, there will come a time when we must stop contending and trust that God knows what He is doing. The Lord will be faithful to accomplish His will, with or without our presence.