The apostle Paul told the believers at Thessalonica that he and his co-workers wanted to visit them but Satan hindered them (1 Th. 2:18).

Does it disturb you to read that a child of God can be blocked by the devil from doing what he believes to be the will of God? If it does, remember that nothing happens without God’s knowledge, nor apart from His direct or permissive will. The Lord can take any deed, whether of Satan or man, and turn it around for His own purposes and glory. The devil’s hindering of Paul, for example, resulted in great benefit to Christians! Because the apostle couldn’t speak to the Thessalonians personally, he wrote them a letter. This portion of the Bible has been a source of rich blessing and comfort to believers down through the centuries.

I’m reminded of Joseph’s response to his brothers who had sold him into slavery. They feared that he would seek revenge, but he said, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20).

What a comfort to know that nothing happens apart from the will of our heavenly Father! He is all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful. Under God’s sovereign control, evil can be turned around to accomplish His good purposes.