“A man may plan his ways, but the Lord directs his path” (Proverbs 16:9). Like many of us, Paul had desires, but at times it seemed as if those plans were being hindered or directed in a different direction. This is God’s sovereign hand at work in the life of a believer, guiding their steps. We see an example of this earlier in Paul’s journey when both Silas and he were prevented by God’s Holy Spirit from going to Asia (Acts 16:6). They had planned to go, but they were prevented.

So, should we not plan? Absolutely not! We continue to plan, acknowledging God, engaging with the Almighty, knowing that as we do so, He will direct our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). Think about it this way: as I make decisions, I go to God, submitting to His leading with the sober understanding that my desires are not always pure; they can be selfishly motivated or misdirected.(James 4:3) I plan with a submitted mind and move forward, trusting that God will interrupt my plans if it is not the direction He wants me to take.

Does this mean that if I make plans and things go awry, God led me into disaster? No! It means God is providing me with an opportunity to grow in my understanding of Him and who I am in my current circumstances. It is an opportunity given by God that allows perseverance, character, and hope to be cultivated (Romans 5:3-5). As I acknowledge God in all my ways, my motivation for doing so is my love for Him. According to Scripture, all things work together for the good of those who love Jesus (Romans 8:28). So, no matter what circumstances I find myself in, the outcome will always be for my good and the glory of God.

Paul declares his plans to the church in Rome. He plans to gather support for the church in Jerusalem, as they were impoverished, and then he aims to go to Spain. He shares his plans but appeals to the church to pray with him that his plans will come to fruition—that his gift would be acceptable and that he would be able to visit Rome on his way to Spain. Yet he recognizes God’s hand in his plans: “so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.” God interrupts us for Your glory and our good.

Father, there are times when we pray and seek direction, and it may seem as if You are absent and everything is falling apart. Grant us a heavenly perspective to see that the pieces are actually falling into place in the grand narrative.