Devotionals

Divine Barriers?

by Anne Adams
07/28/25
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We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NRSV)

In 1957 a new sedative - type drug was introduced in Europe and other countries and proved very popular. Then when the manufacturer sought FDA approval to sell the product in the U.S. the okay did not come immediately since apparently skeptical FDA officials continued to ask for more drug trial results and other assurances of the drug’s safety. It seemed as if the company’s anxiously desired approval had encountered unanticipated barriers.

Then over time eventually the frustrated company tried to exercise pressure on the FDA officials. However, this failed and the barriers remained in place.

Then, in the early 1960s there came more and more European reports that an unseen side effect of the product was that some pregnant women who had taken the drug suffered miscarriages or had babies with abnormalities. It soon became obvious that the FDA’s barriers that prevented American drug approval of thalidomide had resulted in many American infants remaining unharmed. 

I’ve also encountered my own barriers on my spiritual journey and it usually occurs when something I’ve planned and prayed for just doesn’t work out. And I was so sure that that what I want will only serve and glorify God!

But why would God seem to block my path with obstructions when I'm so sure it's perfect?

The answer is that sometimes he inserts obstructions because of some possible result I just can’t see. After all since he sees and knows all aspects of my request he would definitely know if might be ultimately harmful. It could be the barriers are protective... just like the obstructions encountered by the drug company for their FDA approval of thalidomide (despite the company’s well intentioned desires) actually saved infant lives. 

For my part I'll probably never know precisely why my plans fail but if God erects barriers then it's always for our benefit and his glory.