Did you ever ask the Lord to do something and the answer was not exactly the same result as you had expected it to be? Often, when we pray, God answers, but in a manner that is far different from what we anticipated or even desired. But it is always best.
Paul gives us an example in Romans 15. Let’s take a look. Beginning with verse 22...
For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while— 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
As usual, we need to keep things in context. Look at the first three words, “For this reason....” What reason is that? Our quest today is simple. Just go back two verses. V. 20
And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but as it is written, “They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand.”
Paul had just finished a travelography (is that a word?) a travelography of his missionary visits to places that were mainly in Asia Minor. He was anxious to take the Good News to people who had no had a chance to hear. And, as we read in the first passage, he is extending his ministry farther west to Spain. That would mean that he was going as far as he could, because the Atlantic Ocean would block his way.
So Paul’s intended itinerary was set. First take a gift to Jerusalem, then head for Spain with a layover in Rome. (Probably not the exact terminology that he would have used, but you get the idea.) Let’s take a quick side trip.
Verse 26: “For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” The believers in Asia Minor were “pleased” to make a contribution. Have you ever heard a pastor say that we are pleased to give our offering? I have heard many say that they are pleased to receive the offering, but it is our privilege to give. Just a thought.
Back to Paul’s journey. So he went to Jerusalem. We can read the account in Acts 19:21. “Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’”
The story continues through chapters 20 and 21. It culminates is 21:27. “... the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him....” The rest of chapter 21, 22, and 23 detail the intrigue of Paul’s “trial” in Jerusalem and subsequent transfer to Caesarea. There he was examined again and ultimately appealed to the jurisdiction of Rome. Then in chapter 27, after several sessions with Roman puppets, we read in v. 12. “Then when Festus had conferred with his council, he answered, ‘You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.’” Caesar was in Rome.
The remainder of the book of Acts is a chronicle of Paul’s journey to Rome. It is not exactly the luxurious accommodations that one might expect, but, it was effective and efficacious. Not only did Paul arrive in Rome, many new converts littered his trail.
There is an old poem by our friend William Cowper (pronounced “Cooper”)
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.
He plants his footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.
Deep in the dark and hidden mines, With never-failing skill,
He fashions all his bright designs And works his sov'reign will.
Old William was a pretty good theologian, wasn’t he? I wonder if he had just read Romans 15. We can have that same testimony in our lives as we watch God “perform His wonders.”
And the refrain of the poem carries the message for us today.
So God we trust in You. O God, we trust in You.
When tears are great and comforts few, We hope in mercies ever new,
(O God) We trust in You. Parenthesis added. JRL
To read the rest of the poem check: https://hymnary.org/text/god_moves_in_a_mysterious_way
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