1 Thessalonians 2: 17-20

17 Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. 18 We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.

to me.. this is the way God works things... we want to be part of someone's future... and sometimes we are only a small piece of the present that changes them for their future and purpose... we can all think of people who were only in our life for a season... one of the people that taught me to really hear the Spirit... I mean really hear it and believe it... was only for a season.. and it broke my heart.. I thought of her as one of my best friends ever.. yet I had to let go and move forward... sometimes when we hold on too long it will hold us back... we stop growing because maybe that person is ahead of where you were when you met them.. but not at the level you are going to... and it is hurtful... yet it is the way of God...

for many of these churches.. paul's intention was to set up a church then make rounds.. yet for some of them he was never able to return... the church continued to grow.. the letters sent were added to our bible... and God's will was done... not pauls... sometimes we have to stop trying to hold on to something that God is saying we have outgrown... someone we just can't spiritually connect with anymore...

this doesn't mean that we wouldn't speak.. wouldn't be friendly... it really doesn't even mean that they are not where they are supposed to be... just that the season of closeness is over... that is hard to swallow some days...
we can continue to love someone from the distance.. we can pray for their change and development and walking into their future in Christ.. and they can continue to be our pride and joy... and we walk forward to the next person that needs us....

paul states that satan prevented him from coming... I tend to believe differently... I am of the belief that it is God...