Understanding Both What and How

Scripture: But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. Romans 15:23-25

Observation: At this writing, this is Paul's plan: Go to Jerusalem, delivery the offering from Macedonia, then go to Spain, visiting Rome along the way. Paul will never make it to Spain. He will spend his time in Jerusalem pursued and persecuted, and he will arrive in Rome not as a visiting traveler but as a prisoner in chains to be tried by Caesar.

In all of this, Paul has clearly expressed what his life's mission is about. He is a teacher to the Gentiles, telling those who do not know God through Judaism the good news about salvation through faith in Jesus. He also knows he is to go to Rome, the center of the western world. He just doesn't know how all this will happen. He has a plan, and God has a plan. God's always wins out.

Application: Today, I know better than to make a plan for my life. Well ... sometimes I know better. I still think about what I could or should do next in life, but I now know that the plan is just an outline. I need to pray asking for God to reveal his overall objective for my life - soon, or in a next phase, or long term - and then see how I can live into that objective. The path I determine may be right, but it also may not. And it doesn't really matter.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my future, whatever it may hold. I know that it will include your love, provision, and company, and that is enough for me. I do ask for understanding of the objective, but I will walk on your path no matter what. Please be with me along the way, guiding me gently. Amen.