We didn’t get there 

Read: Romans 15:23-29 NLT – Paul’s Travel Plans – But now I have – Bible Gateway

“I will come to see you on my way to Spain. And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.” Romans 15:28-29

In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he told them to expect a visit from him on his way to Spain. Paul had confided to them how eager he was to spend some time with them. He first needed to make his way back to Jerusalem to deliver a gift to the poor Christians that was collected for them by the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. His plans where then to set out for Spain by way of Rome.

Paul’s good intentions didn’t work out as he thought. He did make it to Rome, but not in the manner he had planned. He went there as a prisoner when he made his appeal to the emperor after being brought up on charges by the Jewish leaders. (Acts 25) Paul was able to meet with many people during his first imprisonment in Rome, but he never made it to Spain.

We all can relate when our plans don’t materialize as we thought. My wife and I had planned to visit family over a period of time but do to circumstances we were not able to do so. It may not be we won’t get together, just not in the way we had anticipated. Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” (nlt) Paul found this out as he planned to visit the church in Rome and then the people of Spain. Paul made his plans, but the Lord directed according to His will.

Let this not hinder us from making plans, we should continue to be engaged in planning our future events according to God’s will, just remember we may not get there.