ROMANS 15:22-33 PLANS Ambition is not just the desire to reach for the top and be successful in the eyes of people around us. There is a holy ambition that is very commendable when one is ambitious in their service for the Lord. There is something very special when the Spirit of God guides one to take the truth of the Gospel to areas where they are not building on the work of others. That does not mean there is no undone work in cities or areas of North America. There are as many or more unreached people in this area of the world as there are in many other countries. Like Paul had plans for his service of God in his day, so we have the privilege and joy of laying plans according to the will of God in our day.
Whether Paul ever got to Spain is uncertain but he did get to Rome in a way he probably didn't expect or at least plan for. Making plans is not wrong. It is just that we must be willing to submit to the fact that our will is to be subservient to God's will. In the service of the Lord we can be ambitious for reaching out with the Gospel, helping believers grow in their faith and meeting material needs of others without these being conflicting plans.
The new believers in Paul's day were willing to support those who had sent Paul to them to preach the Gospel to them. There never was a request made by those who preached the Gospel for the "support" of those in their home assembly. The plans to fulfill the mandate the Lord gave to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel" is reason enough for us to press ahead with our plans.
"The fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ" is our empowerment to carry out those God-given plans. Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to know he was going to Rome and that he would be going with a work for God to fulfill. It is never wise for us to pre-plan how we expect God to complete the work He calls us to. We act in faith as a result of knowing that prayer works in our service for God. Our privilege is to move ahead confidently in faith to the call of God. Then we can rest assured the God of peace will be with us.
Uncertainty is not uncommon But God is the same To press ahead in faith is right Even when we don't know what is next Plans are not wrong to make God's will is what is important People are waiting to hear We have been given the message to tell The love of the Spirit is a motivation People need you to speak for God To pray with others is to share in power The Holy Spirit intercedes There is joy in doing God's will He has promised to be with you
"I praise Thee, Father for working Thy will through Thy unprofitable servant. May I not leave undone that for which Thou hast called me. Help me to meet Thy expectations. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."