“AS I GO TO SPAIN!”

 Romans 15:22-29                             (ESV)

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

“[22] This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. [23] But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, [24] I hope to see you in passing “AS I GO TO SPAIN”, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. [25] At present, however, I AM GOING TO JERUSALEM  bringing aid to the saints. [26] For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. [27] For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. [28] When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. [29] I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of CHRIST.”

The Apostle Paul was, in my opinion, one of the most persecuted Believers of the New Testament.  Outside of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the atrocities dispensed to Paul were probably more heinous than our finite minds can comprehend.  His maltreatment should be foreseen as Acts 9:16 says “For I (the LORD) will show him (Saul/Paul) how much he must suffer for the sake of MY name.” It wasn’t that Paul was promised a ministry with minimal resistance.  No, “the enemy” (1 Peter 5:8-9) was ALWAYS seeking someone to devour and was continually nipping at his heels!  

When Paul writes in his letter to the church at Rome he was planning to do missionary work in Spain (15:24,28) and thus visit the Romans for prayer and financial support.  Knowing what we know now, Spain never came to fruition as Paul was beheaded in Rome, never making his planned journey.  “AS I GO TO SPAIN” was merely an inclination, rather had it been in The LORD’S PLAN Paul would have undoubtedly made a tremendous impact in those he came in contact with, even on the path to his destination.  

When our INTENDED “plan” conflicts with GOD’S PLAN for our future, sometimes we are kept from KNOWING what GOD knows, as self-preservation might interfere with our DESTINATION.  Isaiah 42:5 states “…Isaiah 42:5 “Thus says GOD, the LORD, WHO created the heavens and stretched them out, WHO spread out the earth and what comes from it, WHO GIVES BREATH TO THE PEOPLE ON IT and Spirit to those who walk in it:”, not to walk in fear, but to BOLDLY proclaim that HE IS LORD over everything, including death, hell, and the grave!  

Most of us have a ”plan” that we attempt to fulfill in life.  My “plans” are numerous and involved.  But GOD’S PLAN might be for me to do something different, either here on earth or a HIGHER CALLING?  Paul even wrote that his plan involved going to a foreign country to spread the “good NEWS” about JESUS.  “AS I GO TO SPAIN” was never fulfilled for Paul, but GOD’S PLAN for him was.  My prayer is that “my plans” will be whatever HIS PLAN is for my life, no matter the costs!!!