Romans 1: 8-13 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
This is a passage from the Book of Romans, a letter that Paul wrote to the church in Rome. Paul traveled far and wide but he had not been to Rome yet. Paul tells us in verse 13 he had planned to visit the Romans many times but it hasn’t worked out. Paul is hoping to finally get to travel to Rome and is sending this letter in advance.
Actually Paul says he’s been prevented from traveling to see them- not that he has changed his mind, not that he was feeling lazy, his plans didn’t change, he didn’t decide to do something else instead, ect. No, he’s been prevented from doing so – some sort of a roadblock.
I’m going to put myself in Paul’s shoes for a moment and assume it has been really frustrating for him. I think of myself – I’m trying to make plans for a noble purpose, and for some reason the pieces just won’t come together. It’s infinitely frustrating! “Why??”, I would ask God. “I don’t understand!”, I would tell Him! But consider this: if Paul hadn’t been prevented from traveling to see them in person, this book of Romans may never have been formed the way it was. If Paul was there in person he wouldn’t have needed to write them a letter.
God used this frustrating situation in Paul’s life to give millions of people, over the span of a couple thousand years, the wealth of knowledge and learning that comes from this letter. AMAZING!! God used this roadblock in Paul’s plans to formulate this letter that would continue to be read for the remainder of time!
God is still at work doing things like this! God is still working for the good of those that love Him! The frustrating things in your life may be the very things that God uses to help others, to bless others, to make His name great in some big or small way.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Another quick observation: Paul had no idea his letter would be preserved for thousands of years. He didn’t know the scope of its influence. We may never see the things God does through us in our lifetime either- but we walk by faith believing that if we are faithful to follow Him He will take care of the rest! It puts me in the mind of all the giants of faith referenced in the faith chapter – Hebrews 11. All those people were commended for their faith, yet none of them received what was promised – they didn’t see the reward but they believed God’s word anyway (v39)!
Are you facing frustrating roadblocks in your life? Commit to walking by faith; commit to trusting that God is working for good right now! He’s not finished! Hold on tight to Him!
