Plans And Prayers

Alba 7-24-2022

PLANS AND PRAYERS

Romans 15:22-33

In determining the purpose in the will of God for us, sometimes we just don't get it right. There once was a middle-aged farmer who had been desiring for years to be an evangelist.

He was out working in the field one day when he decided to rest under a tree. As he looked into the sky he saw that the clouds seemed to form into the letters P and C. And he saw that as a sign that he should Preach Christ.

Immediately he hopped up, sold his farm, and went out to P-reach C-hrist, which he felt was God’s leading. Unfortunately, he was a horrible preacher.

After one of his sermons a friend came forward and whispered in his ear, “Are you sure that the P C you saw in the sky meant you were called to Preach Christ? Maybe God was just trying to tell you to P-lant C-orn.”

The poet Robert Frost speaks of two roads diverging in a yellow wood, and, because he chose the one less traveled by, that has made all the difference.

A month ago I saw a plaque that had a different take on Robert Frost's poem. It said something like this: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by. Now where in the world am I?

There are times when it is difficult to be sure of what God's plan is for you. But that does not mean that one should not seek out what God would have one to do and then make plans accordingly.

The apostle Paul was making plans to visit the Christians in Rome. So as he closes the letter, he writes to them of his desire to see them, and to continue to take the gospel to places beyond.

Apparently he had planned to go to Rome earlier, but it didn't happen. So he tells them that it is still his plan to make that journey. We read of his plans in Romans 15:22-33.

22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Paul made plans to stop by Rome on his way to Spain which was the very western end of the civilized world. Before this, however, he had to go to Jerusalem to drop off a love offering taken by the believers in Greece for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem.

Paul did make it to Rome but not as a free man. He was a prisoner. Tradition says he was released for a time and went to Spain. The book of Acts, however, does not mention this journey.

What hindered Paul from his plan to get to Rome was that he was performing other ministries that he needed to do. However, for us there are often pathways that serve as detours from God's plan. Little side roads that look attractive at the time, but which do not really lead to the destination.

The bad news is that these take time and energy away from the highway we should travel and the things that we should do. But the good news is that even the detours can be forgiven and overcome. And ultimately we can fulfill God's plan for our life.