Scripture

Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.

Observation

Before visiting Rome, Paul has to go to Jerusalem in order to take a gift from the believers in Achaia and Macedonia to the poor believers in Jerusalem. Paul then intends to visit Rome on his way to Spain.

Paul asks for prayer for protection from people in Judea who refuse to believe the gospel. Then Paul will be able to come to Rome with a joyful heart.

Application

Paul obviously intended to go to Rome on his way to Spain, after he had been to Jerusalem. We know from Acts that he was arrested in Jerusalem. He appealed for Caesar to hear his case and so was sent to Rome.

He would have chosen other circumstances in which to fulfil his promise. God got him to Rome, using people who were hostile to the faith. We know that Paul wrote several of his epistles while imprisoned in Rome, and many people came to know Jesus through his ministry there.

We may not always have the lifestyle or the situations we might prefer, but God uses all of our life events for good.

The Lord wanted Paul in Rome. The Jewish leaders wanted Paul out of their hair. Although Paul was in chain for the gospel, he was able to travel to Rome with a joyful heart, because he knew that God was in control.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank you that you are always with me. Please help me to trust you and to rejoice in you, especially when life is difficult. Amen.