You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Paul knew that his visit to Jerusalem would be dangerous. The unbelieving Jews were certainly a threat, and those who trusted in Christ needed great encouragement. In this prayer request, Paul asks that the money collected for the Judean believers would get through to them safely, and that he would be able to travel to Rome.
A detailed account of what actually happened is found in Acts chapters 21-28. The apostolic team did arrive safely at Jerusalem with the money but, after that, the Jews stirred up a riot. However Paul was protected by the military commander, although under arrest. As a Roman citizen he had special rights which enabled him to speak the gospel clearly in Jerusalem; then he was eventually sent under guard to Rome. While there, he stayed in his own rented house for at least two years preparing for his trial. So his prayer request was answered, but not in the way he supposed. But by 'God's will' Paul did go to Rome and refreshed the church there as he preached. Also, his letters from prison to other churches have shaped the church worldwide for the last two millennia.
As we plan and pray, God knows exactly how He wants to answer our prayers and also fulfil His purposes through us. In one way, it makes prayer more exciting! God is not a shopkeeper from whom we order what we want: He understands our needs, and also knows how He is going to blend the answer to our prayers to achieve His larger purposes. So when our prayers are not answered as we expect, we should not be distressed. God knows exactly what He is doing, and His way of achieving it is infinitely superior to ours. If we do not trust Him, we will be confused, upset and disappointed: but if we trust Him to exercise His right to be God, we will fulfil our calling and He will get the glory.
Prayer: Loving Lord. Thank You for being able to understand my needs and to ensure that they are met in a way which also glorifies You. Forgive me when I become so fixed on a single solution to my needs or even my ministry that I resist You working in a different way. Help me to pray and plan more specifically, and also to be more open to receive whatever answer You will send. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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