“That I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.” – Romans 15:31-32
Paul asked the Romans to pray for him and listed these specific prayer requests. It’s well worth noting that God answered these prayers, but did so in a manner Paul couldn’t possibly have been expecting! Nonetheless, God knew best…
Paul’s mission to deliver relief funds to the poor Christians in Jerusalem was well received but resulted in a riot and his arrest. Paul was delivered safely from the unbelievers in Judea – by the Roman soldiers who arrested him! Paul eventually came to the Roman Christians with joy, but did so in chains after years in jail and a disastrous sea journey. Paul was indeed refreshed in their company, but it was while spending years under house arrest in Rome.
None of that could have been Paul’s preference or expectation, but it was God’s will and plan and it was good. By answering Paul’s prayers in such unexpected ways, Paul was able to preach the gospel to soldiers and sailors, centurions and praetorians, governors and high officials. God’s plan was infinitely greater than anything Paul could have dreamed up! Rather than becoming frustrated, fearful, resentful, angry, and impatient, Paul trusted in God and faithfully proclaimed Jesus every step of the way.
God may well have very different plans for your life than you’d prefer. That’s good! Take heart from Paul’s example and keep praying, keep trusting, and keep sharing Jesus with all those God puts in your path!