1 Thessalonians 2 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“So we wanted to come to you – even I, Paul, time and again – but Satan hindered us. For who is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting in the presence of the L_rd Yeshua at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy!” 1 Thessalonians 2: 18-20

When I was a kid, the cool thing was to have a brand new pair of WHITE tennis shoes. Everyone got new shoes for school, but a few trips to the playground quickly faded their glory. Dirt happens.

Occasionally, a footwear miracle would occur. Some lucky kid would defy all odds and his shoes would retain their “whiteness” for months on end. In the fall of 1980, I was that miracle kid. I recall the day the miracle ended.

It was well past Thanksgiving and I had just stepped off the school bus. The air was crisp, quite cool for a sunny day. I was strutting my Fred Perry “pure whites” to homeroom when, out of nowhere, Ron Street ran up and raked his muddy penny-loafer across my shoelaces!!!! He yells, “Skid Mark!” and runs off. Apparently, he had been jealous for some time. I was devastated. Some guys are just plain mean.

Speaking of mean, the Devil is mean. There is nothing Satan wants more than to keep you from G_d…and steal the glory of your kingdom work. If you are a follower of Yesshua, Satan wants to make you completely ineffective. More than a discourager, he is a destroyer. He would kill you, if allowed the opportunity.

Now, consider Paul. How can the guy who said, “I can do all things through Messiah, Who strengthens me.” be hindered by Satan? Was Paul a liar? By no means!!

Paul accomplished all that the L_rd had directed him to labor towards in Thessalonica. The church flourished in spite of great opposition. But the way that G_d used Paul to accomplish His plan for the Thessalonians’ salvation, was through the example of Paul and his colleagues’ enduring spiritual opposition…and overcoming it by faith.

Friends, don’t be discouraged when you experience spiritual opposition. Be encouraged that, while the battle may be fierce, the victory is the L_rd’s. Satan will get his due…much the same way Ron Street got detention for scuffing my shoes.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Sunday, October 20, 2013