In our last visit we saw how Paul the apostle experienced the outworking of God’s plan for his life. He had a strong passion to visit the church in Rome but often encountered things that delayed that purposed trip. When he finally got to Rome he arrived as a prisoner, having endured a horrendous boat trip that ended in shipwreck.
From Rome he planned to go on to Spain, but there is no historical evidence he ever got to do that. In spite of this I believe he would have agreed with Solomon’s observation in Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Or he might have mused over what the psalmist declared: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands” (Psalm 138:8).
Notice how confidently he declares his faith in God’s sovereignty. We don’t always understand or clearly see God’s purpose for us, but like David we are wise to affirm by faith: The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.”
My life is but a small part of God’s universal purpose. I might make choices that are not in sink with God’s plan, but God in wisdom patiently and persistently fulfills his purpose. Paul believed that even when “we are faithless, he, (that is God) will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).
When Paul appealed to be tried in Caesar’s court in Rome God might have whispered, “I had a more convenient trip planned for you, but that’s OK, you will get there as I planned!” Yes, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me,” and for you. Trust Him to be faithful.
