GPS… God’s Protection System

 I Thessalonians 4:10

Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

It is so exciting when you are planning to have company at your home! Getting to see friends and family you enjoy is one of the pleasures of life — connecting with those we love. Even the preparation is a fun event as you plan and prepare special meals, get rooms ready and maybe plan to go to special places.   

But just imagine what that might have looked like back in Bible times. With no plumbing, no extra bedrooms (for most folks), no grocery store trips, donut shops or rental cars. Imagine the ‘letter delivery system.’ The mule gets stubborn and you get the letter guests are coming — the day before they arrive! Needless to say, this would make any hostess/host a little anxious! In today’s scripture passage, Paul the Apostle tells the Thessalonians he is asking for God and Jesus to clear the way for him to get there for a visit. Why would Paul need to ask God and Jesus to clear the way? Let’s explore this…

Paul had already met these people, the Thessalonians, previously. It appears they built a bond over the time he was with them, and he wanted to go back to see how they were doing in their new-found faith in Jesus (Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3). Paul begins his plan for the trip by asking God Himself, and Jesus, to ‘clear the way’ for them. These days we have GPS systems to tell us if there is road construction, accidents, detours or any other obstruction to our path. Back in Bible times they had to rely on the best GPS system… prayer to God and Jesus! Remember, Jesus did tell us to ask Him whatever we want, and He will answer it (Jeremiah 33:3).  

In Paul’s case he probably did not need to worry about construction or accidents, as much as robbers and powers of darkness that were seemingly lurking on every wilderness path — people who were desperate for food or water, demons who lived among the rocks hidden from passersby, or traveling caravans with nothing better to do. We cannot begin to imagine the hindrances Paul and his friends might have encountered along the way, if they were not prayed up! (Read Luke 10:30-37 and Daniel 10:12 for more accounts of hindrances.)

So, here’s the thing. Since anything can happen to anybody anytime and anywhere, turn on your GPS (God’s Protection System) before you leave home. Ask God to clear your path of any issues before you leave the driveway!

Question: Can you recall a time when God divinely protected you because of prayer? Please share in the Reply Box below, our readers would love to know!