Day 230: Psalms 107-108; Romans 15:22-33

"Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you." (Romans 15:30-32, CSB)

Paul invites the Roman church to join him in very specific prayer. Some have noted that Paul, a true prayer warrior, was always humbly engaging others in prayer. His prayer example is powerful. His prayers are specific. From history, we know how God answered his prayer. He most likely wrote from Corinth on his third missionary journey. He returned to Jerusalem where he was received by the church, attacked by his enemies, and sent to Rome in chains after two plus years of imprisonment. Now, some believe that Paul may have forced the issue when he appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11).

Please, don't get me wrong. This is not meant as a discouragement. Paul had been forewarned by prophets and the Holy Spirit after he left Corinth that he would face heavy opposition and be bound (Acts 21:1-14). Yet, he proceeded. God promised he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). God kept His promise. So, Paul made it to Rome, not on a missionary journey to Spain, but in chains. While this is not what Paul originally asked, because of his chains, he ultimately made it into Caesar's household. He did not just engage the church, but witnessed in the presence of leadership in the Roman Empire, perhaps even to Caesar himself. Paul rejoiced in every opportunity to testify about Jesus, his Lord and Savior...no matter the circumstances.

We may not always understand how God answers our prayers, what His delays may be, and what the outcome looks like, but we know He works in all things for our good and according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We also know that what He does exceeds what we could imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). And, in the end, the ultimate goal of prayer, God Himself, is the gift of an eternity with Him beyond our ability to grasp in this world. So, ask. Seek. Knock. Submit. Trust. Hope. Rejoice. Know that God has your back...and all of you. You will not be disappointed!