Daily devotion – God’s will and Paul’s journey to Rome.
The Will of God and the Journey of Faith
Romans 1:10
“Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.”
The subject of God’s will always captures people’s interest. Many deeply desire to know and live according to His will, seeking direction for their lives. The Bible speaks extensively on this topic, offering clear guidance on how we can discern and walk in His divine plan.
In Romans 1:10, Paul expresses his longing to visit the believers in Rome, but he desires to do so “by the will of God”, not by his own willfulness. This distinction is vital—most of us tend to live by human willfulness rather than surrendering to the divine will.
God’s Will vs. Our Expectations – Paul prayed for a “prosperous journey”, likely envisioning a smooth and pleasant trip. However, God’s answer looked very different from what Paul may have expected.
Instead of a comfortable journey, Paul was:
Persecuted by the Jews
Arrested by the Romans
Brought before Agrippa and Festus
Shipped off to Rome in chains
Shipwrecked at sea
Bitten by a venomous snake
Yet, through this hardship, God’s greater plan was fulfilled! Had Paul gone to Rome as a free citizen, he may never have had the opportunity to preach the Gospel within Caesar’s own household. His imprisonment was a divine appointment, not a setback.
God’s Prosperity is Different from Ours – Paul’s journey teaches us a powerful truth: God’s prosperity does not always align with our human expectations.
Perhaps you, too, have experienced difficulties on your way to your “Rome.” Maybe your plans have shipwrecked, and you feel stranded in isolation. But hold fast—God never fails!
If it is truly God’s will for you to reach that destination, you will get there—just as Paul did. It may not be the journey you envisioned, but it will be the path that brings the greatest blessing and the greatest glory to God.
Trust in God’s perfect will, even when the way seems uncertain.