Romans 15:28: When Therefore I Have Completed This...

Romans 15:28

When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. (ESV)

The Apostle Paul is putting together his itinerary for his trip to Jerusalem and where he will be going afterward. He is delivering this financial gift to the saints in Jerusalem that he has collected from the many churches where he has preached the Gospel. He writes to the church at Rome of his intentions to come and see them on his way to Rome.

It is interesting to note that Paul had not yet been to Rome. It was his longtime desire to visit them, but he wrote this letter to them before ever having met them. The church was started by folks who came and preached the Gospel after they received it on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Paul's clear intent is to go to Rome, on his way to Spain. I am sure there was great excitement in his heart as he made these plans.

We do well to make plans. However, we recognize that God is sovereign over everything, including our best made plans. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." If you look back over the course of your life you can see the many times you have made plans, perhaps very honorable plans, and God over-ruled your plans and directed your steps differently.

Scripture does not record the Apostle Paul ever making it to Spain. He did make it to Rome, however. He arrived in chains. His plans were never realized in the way that he had planned. We have plans. God has better plans. His ways are not our ways. As Paul said in Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

What are your plans? Are they honorable? Submit them to the Lord. Recognize that he knows best. If he directs your plans differently, give him praise and follow him. He will work things together for good.