Our Plans, Our Purpose

In Romans 15:22–29, Paul’s plans to visit Rome and travel on to Spain had repeatedly been delayed by circumstances beyond his control, yet his response teaches us how to think about our own plans and purposes. There is nothing wrong with having godly desires, ambitions, and plans for our lives, especially when they are oriented toward seeing Christ’s lordship realized in the world; humility should guide our plans rather than extinguish them. At the same time, we must remember that we are not ultimately in control—“the Lord establishes” our steps—and God often uses interruptions, waiting, and redirection to accomplish purposes greater than our own. Like Paul, we are called to be faithful with what God has placed directly in front of us rather than becoming unfaithful in the present while waiting for some future opportunity. The story of Charlotte Elliot, whose plans for ministry were radically altered by lifelong illness yet whose faithfulness eventually impacted millions through her hymn “Just as I Am,” illustrates how God can work through circumstances we would never have chosen. Ultimately, our confidence is not in our plans succeeding but in God’s plans and purpose, leading us to pray with trust in every circumstance, “Thy will be done.”