God blocking the way vs. Satan blocking the way

[Trayalc]

In I Thessalonians 2:18, Paul says that Satan has blocked his path from being able to visit the Thessalonians.

On the other hand, Luke says in Acts 16:6-10 that it was the Holy Spirit that blocked Paul’s path to Asia.

My question is, are we able to tell who exactly is blocking our path in situations like this? How do we decipher whether it is God or Satan when an opportunity is closed off from us?

I guess another question arises from this — in a situation with difficult circumstances, how can we know if God is telling us to go a different way or to keep going despite the difficulty?

 

[Francis Drake]

Undoubtedly, I will be attacked for saying this, but all Christians need to learn the hearing of God's voice.
Until we do that, we will have no security of knowing whether our lives are random, or led by God or the devil.

 

[Goodhuman]

In I Thessalonians 2:18, Paul says that Satan has blocked his path from being able to visit the Thessalonians.

On the other hand, Luke says in Acts 16:6-10 that it was the Holy Spirit that blocked Paul’s path to Asia.

My question is, are we able to tell who exactly is blocking our path in situations like this? How do we decipher whether it is God or Satan when an opportunity is closed off from us?

I guess another question arises from this — in a situation with difficult circumstances, how can we know if God is telling us to go a different way or to keep going despite the difficulty?

You must listen to your heart.

 

[FreeinChrist]

ADVISOR HAT

This thread was moved from Traditional Theology to General Theology where it is a better fit. Please read the Statement of Purpose for the forums you wish to post in. ​

 

[1213]

...
My question is, are we able to tell who exactly is blocking our path in situations like this? How do we decipher whether it is God or Satan when an opportunity is closed off from us?

I guess another question arises from this — in a situation with difficult circumstances, how can we know if God is telling us to go a different way or to keep going despite the difficulty?

Sometimes it may be that we don’t know. In that case I recommend to think, is the path good. If you think it is good, then you can ask God to help you, if God also thinks it is good. And then leave it to God’s hands, if you can’t do anything. If it is God’s will, you will get the help.