PLANNING TOWARDS GODLY GOALS

Romans 15:23-24  But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. (NIV)
 

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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There is nothing wrong with planning, as long as we plan to please God and are willing to change our plans to fit in with His (James 4:13-15). Paul knew his call from God; it was to preach the gospel where people did not know about Jesus. So, having preached his way through Turkey and Greece, Spain was the next horizon. The much anticipated visit to the church in Rome was only planned to be a stop-over en route.

However, he did not know that Rome would be his final destination. As far as we know he never reached Spain but spent his time in Rome as a prisoner under guard and under threat of his life. So was he right to presume that Spain was next in the itinerary? Yes! He was a man with spiritual ambition, and felt responsible to work out his ministry call in the best way he knew. Of course, God intervened on a number of occasions (Acts 16:6-10), changing the direction or pace of the ministry, but Paul knew he was accountable and should set spiritual goals for fulfilling God's call on his life.

Today, some believers are muddled about whether they should plan ahead or do nothing unless God takes action. Paul's example is helpful. He believed that the Lord had given Him wisdom, discernment and energy through the Holy Spirit. He believed that he should plan to carry out his calling, as far as he was able, but was willing to allow his course to be changed by God. Paul was prayerful but not passive. William Cary, the English missionary to India in the early 19th Century, said, "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God". Where is Christ-like courage to be found today? In the lives of people whose horizons are bigger than their resources; and where their goal is the glory of God. Whatever your situation, do not limit yourself to what you know, but trust yourself to the Lord who knows you.

Prayer:  Father God. Thank You for giving the gospel into the hands of Your people, and giving them Your Holy Spirit to envision and empower them. I am sorry when I shrink back from making courageous decisions because of fear or lack of resources. Please help me to set spiritual goals in my life with Your help, and yet be willing for You to redirect me as You choose. May I not be ruled by cowardice or be passive through laziness. Help me to have higher horizons and the wisdom to make godly decisions, for Your glory's sake. In Jesus' Name. Amen.