1 Thessalonians 2:18 KJV
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

Here in South Carolina it is summertime. It is hot! There are days that the heat index is over 100 degrees. It is not uncommon during the summer for severe thunderstorms to come up very quickly. It can go from clear blue skies to black clouds with thunder, lightning and very strong winds. When these storms approach they very often get your attention. You will stop whatever it is that you are doing to observe these storms. You may go out on the porch as it approaches or keep going to the window to see what’s going on. Regardless of how you respond, you are no longer focused on whatever it was that you were doing!

This is the same with the storms that approach you as you are walking with God. They always have the exact same purpose. The purpose of the storm is to distract you from God’s plan and his promises! The word “hindered” above means “To impede one’s course by cutting off his way.” Satan is walking about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). We are not to be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). The word “devices” here means “purposes or thoughts.” What is his purpose?

Satan’s purpose with the present storm (circumstances, situations, persecutions, etc.) in your life is to distract you from God and his promises! He is fully aware that if you keep your eyes on Jesus and hold fast to the word of God you will come out of the storm unscathed!

Whatever your storm may be today, remember, God is greater. Hold fast to what God has promised and you can rest assured that you will come out on the other side. You have the victory!