From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Since the first moment good came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true that Satan attempts to hinder us in our spiritual walk. From every direction on the compass, all along the line of battle, at the line of advance and at the rear and at the dawn of day and at midnight, "Satan hinder[s] us." If we work in the field, he seeks to break our plow; if we build a wall, he works to tear it down; in fact, wherever we desire to serve God in suffering or in conflict--everywhere--"Satan hinder[s] us." 

 

When we first looked to the cross for eternal life, he waged fierce conflicts to hinder us from coming to Jesus Christ. And now that we are saved, he attempts to hinder the process that is perfecting our personal character. Perhaps you are congratulating yourself, saying, "So far my walk has been consistent. No one can challenge my integrity." Beware of boasting, for you are yet to be tested. But it will happen, for Satan will direct his power against your strongest and most well-known virtue. Even if you have been a firm believer thus far, it will not be long before your faith will be attacked. Even if you are as humble as Moses, who was "more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3), expect to be tempted to speak in an unadvised way.

 

Satan is also sure to hinder us when we are earnestly engaged in prayer. He seeks to stem our insistency and fervency in order that, if possible, we will miss God's blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant when it comes to obstructing other Christian efforts, for there has never been a revival of faith without a revival of his opposition. For example, as soon as Nehemiah began to "rebuild the wall of Jerusalem" (Neh. 2:17), Sanballat and Tobiah attempted to hinder them.

 

What should we learn from this? We should not be alarmed because "Satan hinder[s] us," for it is proof we are on the Lord's side and are working for Him. And in His strength we will win the victory and triumph over our adversary.

 

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5:8-11).