Jesus or the Devil? Who’s Closing the Door on My Plans?

You’re heading in a clear direction. Things seem to be lining up. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, something blocks your path. A door closes. A plan collapses. The phone call comes. The job falls through. The opportunity disappears.

You step back and ask the inevitable: Is this the enemy trying to derail me or is this Jesus redirecting me for a greater good?

This question isn’t hypothetical. It’s personal. Paul asked it. Christians across time have asked it. And chances are, if you’re following Christ closely, you’ve asked it too.

So, how do we know who’s blocking the way? And what are we supposed to do about it?

When Paul Was Blocked

Scripture gives us two striking examples from the life of the apostle Paul:

• In 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Paul says, “Satan hindered us.”

• In Acts 16:6–7, Luke records that “the Spirit of Jesus” prevented them from entering Asia.

Both are clear hindrances. Both come from spiritual beings. But they’re not the same.

Paul somehow discerned that Satan was the force behind one roadblock, and Jesus behind another. But how did he know? And more importantly, how can we?

The First Truth: God’s Sovereign Hand Is Always Decisive

The first foundational truth to remember is this: Nothing happens outside the sovereign will of God. As Ephesians 1:11 says, God “works all things according to the counsel of his will.”

This means that even when Satan is the immediate cause of a roadblock, God is ultimately in control. Satan may act, but only within the boundaries God sets. The devil never operates autonomously. Even his opposition serves God's purposes though not intentionally.

So whether your hindrance feels like sabotage or silence, it’s under God’s authority. That doesn’t minimize the pain, but it does frame it in hope.

The Second Truth: Satan’s Goals Are Always Destructive

Satan has a goal in every obstruction: to steal your faith, ruin your obedience, and drive a wedge between you and God. He’ll use delay, discouragement, temptation, and distraction to make you doubt your calling and your Savior.

He’s been doing it since Eden.

The enemy’s tactics are always aimed at destruction. But God’s purposes are redemptive even when He permits hardship.

The Story of Judas Shows the Mystery

Consider Judas. Scripture says that Satan entered his heart to betray Jesus (Luke 22:3). Yet Jesus declared that Judas’s betrayal was the fulfillment of prophecy. In Acts 1:16, Peter says, “The Scripture had to be fulfilled.”

God was not absent in the betrayal He was orchestrating redemption. Satan meant it for evil. God meant it for our salvation.

This dual dynamic plays out again and again in Scripture. Joseph’s brothers meant harm, but God meant good (Genesis 50:20). The crucifixion was carried out by wicked men, but “they did what [God’s] hand and [His] plan had predestined to take place” (Acts 4:28).

So What About Your Blocked Path?

Back to your life. The relationship didn’t work out. The job fell through. The ministry door slammed shut. Is this Satan trying to sabotage your calling or God lovingly closing a door to protect or redirect you?

The answer isn’t always obvious. But here’s what you can know:

• Satan is trying to undermine your faith.

• God is working to refine your faith.

In every trial, both forces are present. One seeks your destruction. The other seeks your sanctification.

As Pastor John Piper once said, “Satan is a tempter and a liar. God’s will is your holiness.” That much is always true.

So How Do You Discern the Difference?

Here’s a prayerful process to help you navigate spiritual roadblocks:

1. Examine Sinful Patterns

Has sin played a part in this closed door? Were there decisions made out of fear, pride, or impatience? Were any red flags ignored? Repent where needed. Confess what’s yours to own.

2. Consider the Fruit

What might come from embracing this block? What might come from pushing through? Evaluate the potential spiritual, relational, and missional fruit on either side.

3. Listen to Your Holy Desires

What persistent, God-honoring desires has the Holy Spirit placed on your heart? What direction consistently draws you closer to Christ?

4. Seek Godly Counsel

The wisdom of mature believers is a gift. Invite them into your discernment. Lay out the facts. Ask for prayerful feedback.

5. Saturate Everything in Scripture and Prayer

There is no shortcut around Scripture. God speaks clearly through His Word. Combine that with unceasing prayer. You’re not asking for a sign you’re seeking the Shepherd’s voice.

6. Ask: Do I Need to Push Through or Let Go?

Some hindrances are meant to be overcome. Others are meant to redirect us. Discernment comes when we hold both possibilities in prayer, asking God, “Do You want me to persevere or pivot?”

God’s Will Is Always for Your Good

Ultimately, whether it’s the enemy obstructing you or Jesus redirecting you, God’s will for you is secure. Romans 8:28 isn’t just a cross-stitch it’s a promise: “All things work together for good for those who love God.”

You are not alone. And your story isn’t off track.

In fact, the very roadblock you’re facing may be God’s providential protection or preparation for something greater.

So renounce every lie. Reject every fear. And remember this: no matter who placed the obstacle in front of you, the outcome is always under God’s sovereign, loving hand.

If this resonated with you or brought clarity, share it with someone facing a closed door or subscribe to our newsletter for more hope-filled insights on life, faith, and God’s guidance.