Guidance by Unanswered Prayer

Scripture: I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints. Romans 15:30-31

Observation: Paul has outlined his plans to the Romans; He is delivering an offering to Jerusalem, then will make way for Spain but first stopping in Rome. While this plan is firm, Paul asks for one personal prayer, that the Romans pray for his "rescue from the unbelievers in Judea."

This prayer ... will not be answered. Paul will be arrested, tried at least three times, and finally sent to Rome as a prisoner where he will eventually be executed. While there may be debate about what did or did not happen to Paul between his arrival in Rome and his later martyrdom, there is no debate that he was not rescued from the unbelieving Jews.

However, it is by this special connection that Paul and later Peter will have with Rome that the gospel will truly spread globally. It was by the very existence of a major empire that travel and transport of the story of Jesus was even possible. It was through the broad education of the general populous on a common language that anyone could tell others about Jesus as the Messiah. It was by a broad understanding of religion, but through acceptance of local customs, that people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds could describe Yahweh and his authority, explain his existence as the creator, and outline his plan for salvation of all mankind.

And for all this, Paul needed to go to Rome - to the western part of the empire - and stay there as a person cut off from ever returning to his homeland. This was done.

Application: I am so frustrated when my mind wanders to my 'career' and what I may desire to do as future jobs. This has been happening often lately, and by Paul's example the Lord has shown me the truth.

I once prayed for rescue from persecutors. I was not rescued. Instead, I suffered exactly the wrath they desired to inflict upon me, and was cast out of my career in such a way that I can never return to that profession. There can be no thought of even trying. The Lord's refusal to answer my prayer is actually his guidance and direction for me. My longstanding career is a place to which I can never return. And there a better times ahead of me.

Prayer: Lord, Hallelujah!! Bless your wonderful name, for your steadfast love endures forever. You have shown my your will as an outpouring of your love, and I thank you, my Lord and my God. Hallelujah!! Amen.