Rome or Bust!
I love Paul. I love his love for Christ. I love his faith in God’s calling and promises. I am challenged by how faithfully he walked out his leadership role for the Gospel. He was a man of integrity who could be confidently followed.
Having recently completed the book of Acts in my Foundations: NT260 reading, and in reading many of Paul’s epistles as well, I am encouraged by Paul’s faithfulness. Several passages mention how he “must go to Rome.” He knew it was important to share his conversion story in that city and before leaders who were indifferent to or who opposed Christians walking out the Gospel. And God told him he would go so he believed it.
In Acts 27, we see a detour, as Paul was on the way to Rome as a prisoner, to appeal to Caesar. But, he had an unplanned detour to Malta!
Jerusalem Jews opposed Paul and he was placed in jail under false charges. And actually, at that moment, being placed in jail kept him from being killed by the mob. Because, you know, he “had” to go to Rome! So he had to live! After multiple appearances in front of governors and kings, he “appealed to Caesar” which made it mandatory that he go to Rome.
As they traveled by ship they encountered a storm (see Acts 27 for details) and what appeared to be certain death. But God had told Paul he would go to Rome, so Paul knew he wouldn’t drown.
I love the song Stand in Your Love, especially the line that says, “My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in Your love.” Paul didn’t fear sinking because he was standing in God’s love!
He took God as his word. I believe he understood what Jesus said in Matthew 6:8 as He was teaching on appropriate praying, “...your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.“
Paul was able to encourage everyone on that ship that they would be safe in this storm. Why could Paul assure them of this? Again, because God told him there would be no loss of life and he believed God! Besides, there were people on the island of Malta who also needed the Gospel!
Paul knew he’d head to Rome in spite of this detour. I can experience this same faith when I realize God is always working out His perfect will no matter the storm I am in. His promises always come true and He is always working for our good and His glory.
Sometimes our lives may look like a shipwreck!
But like Paul, we all have a calling…one that includes our obedience to Christ and His purpose in and through our individual lives. So we walk in faith through the storms KNOWING He will be with us, He is at work, He will be glorified…regardless of what it appears to be or what we feel!
May we always be ready to respond when He gives us a directive to follow. We will see Him bring our ship safely to shore. If not this side of heaven, then for Christ-followers, certainly, in eternity. And as we trust His promises, like Paul, let’s lead others to Christ as we do.
Banner photo by David Köhler on Unsplash
