Closed Door or Satanic Hindrance?

 In a recent group discussion, the leader half-jokingly mentioned that his survey of our relationship with Christ must be really good because "Satan was hindering the printing of it, causing a lot of printer problems." I half-jokingly replied, "Maybe it was God trying to close the door 'cause it's not necessary."

In both 1st Chronicles and 2nd Samuel, there's an account recorded of King David taking a census. In one passage, it is Satan that provokes David to take the census. In the other, it is God that creates the provocation. It's not that a census was bad. Moses conducted a few. Solomon later takes a census. But King David's census makes God angry and David has to choose a punishment.

Whether an obstacle is a satanic hindrance or a providential obstacle, we won't know unless we ask. Paul relates that he was hindered by the Spirit from entering certain regions (Acts 16.6-7). In a lesson on godliness, I used this definition of ungodliness: not considering God as being a part of our life or being consulted on what we should do or be. Without God's input, we might interpret any circumstance against our own desires. I randomly dealt some cards, hoping for hearts and dreading getting clubs. I got 3 hearts and 3 clubs and a combination of the other two suits for the last 3 cards. Could I say that 3 hearts was a success? Could I say that 3 clubs was a defeat? Could I say that the hearts are from God and the clubs from Satan? Any of the answers are just interpretations based on my own desires and preferences. I might be called double-minded because I won't listen to God's input when I pray, but only my own conclusions--or seeking a second opinion if I don't like God's diagnosis. As James warns, God won't talk if we won't listen. 

We have to consider God's input before we know if we need to persevere through a closed door--"knock and it will be opened--or leave it closed. Ask and the answer will be given. Seek and you will find God's diagnosis.