We propose, God disposes

"I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you . . ." (Romans 1:13).

It did me good today to notice that verse and to realize that even the Apostle Paul prayed for things that did not materialize. I am assuming that each time Paul "intended," or "planned (NKJV)," to visit the Romans, he had prayed about it. He prayed with the assurance that his request was for good and godly things---he had kingdom expansion on his mind. He prayed knowing that God was able to remove all obstacles that might prevent him.

And yet "often" he had been "prevented" from going ahead with a godly plan. He had perhaps made copious preparations, and perhaps found what seemed to be open doors and green lights. He perhaps canceled other engagements and packed his bags and lost money on the venture.

What did me good was Paul's evident lack of theological concern regarding these unanswered prayers. He doesn't feel the need to explain or defend much. He takes in stride that sometimes---even "often"---you hold a series of prayer meetings at church for your youth group's trip to the Mexico, and then swine flu derails it. That, at least, is what happened to the church I attended last fall.

The youth pastor told us from the pulpit on Sunday morning that he was momentarily puzzled when the missions trip was suddenly aborted. But then the Spirit brought James 4:15 to mind: "Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will do this or that.'" The mission team ended up in Manhattan helping the Jews for Jesus ministry and returned encouraged.

I need to stop doubting God's existence and the meaning of life whenever my prayers and godly endeavors don't pan out as I prayed. Paul is my model. He prayed, made plans, and moved forward on his plans. And when all that prayin' and plannin' did not issue in his desired goal, he was as confident in God as ever.

Paul had had enough "setbacks" by now to know that a setback is just a redirection of steps in a continuous triumphal march to the glory of God. He had gone to Troas because a door of ministry was open, but was anxious there because he didn't find Titus, so he took off to Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:13-14). Whether Paul was right or wrong to walk away from an open door for a reason like that is more than I can know. But wrong or right, Paul experienced blessing in the next town he set foot in.

We have to be content that God sees around corners and we don't. There is just no way of knowing what would have happened if the youth group had gone to Mexico, and what will happen because it went to New York.

To hear commentaries by Andrée Seu, click here.