1 Thessalonians 2:18
For we wanted to come to you — indeed I, Paul, tried again and again — but Satan obstructed us.
What it says
Because we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, again and again, but Satan hindered us.
What it is doing
It explains why longing did not become reunion.
In context
17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense. 18For we wanted to come to you — indeed I, Paul, tried again and again — but Satan obstructed us. 19After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 20You are indeed our glory and our joy.