Through the years many have asked me the question, “”I’ve done everything I can and nothing is working. Why?”
As I stated four weeks ago when we began this series, people labour in vain for several reasons; and we’ve already looked at three out of the four that we are dealing with in this series:
#1. The God-Factor is inactive – “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.”
~ Psalms 127:1
#2. The individual is laboring in ignorance – “A fool’s work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.”
~ Ecclesiastes 10:15
#3. God is opposing the person – “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
~ 1 Peter 5:5
Now, let us conclude by looking at the fourth answer:
#4. Satan is hindering the person – “But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you-certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-but Satan stopped us.”
~ 1 Thessalonians 2
In the above verses we see lots of efforts with absolutely nothing to show for it due to the activities of the devil. This is another reason many labour in vain: Satan is stopping them.
We must never forget that we have an adversary, and he’s not gone on leave.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
~ 1 Peter 5:8
The devil is very much active in the world opposing God’s purposes for our lives through various diabolical means.
A lot of the times that Satan is operating against people in one dimension or the other, they experience efforts without results. This was the case with the Apostle Paul as he attempted to visit the Thessalonians’ church. Notice that he made every effort again and again without any success.
How to clear satanic blockades
The solution is simple: Prayer.
This kind of problem can only be resolved through aggressive spiritual warfare.
“{But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.}”
~ Matthew 17:21
Paul eventually turned to God in prayer and was able to clear the opposition.
“Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.”
~ 1 Thessalonians 3:11