An inciter to a depressing grey day is manifested in the mumbled thought, “Nothing ever goes my way.” A person makes plans that have good, right, and pleasant goals. When the goals are blocked, moved, and prove inadiquit, the mood turns from sunny rays to an overcast soul. We feel alone, perhaps even abandoned by God or good fortune. How can a bright, hopeful heart return?
Paul reveals his travel plans. He intended to strengthen the congregations and collect the charitable offerings for the suffering poor Christians in Israel. This seemed like a good plan. His plans allowed for unforeseen problems, for he used phrases like, “Perhaps I will…” and “if the Lord permits.” Paul knew from past oppositions against the Lord’s work through him, that even the best laid out plans, go ways we do not want and perhaps never expected.
Paul was correct in his expectation of troubles that would cause his plans to change. Verses 3 and 4 indicate that, at this time, Paul did not intend to return to Jerusalem with the offering. The letter to the Roman congregations, written while in his future brief stay in Corinth, indicated that his desire after bringing all the offerings together was to visit Rome. This did not happen for he said to the Ephesus elders he was “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem, though “in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.” (Acts 20:17, 22-23)
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21). I make plans. I have intent. So, is it plausible to answer, “How then can anyone understand his own way?” while ignoring, “A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.”? (Proverbs 20:24) Can I say, “I make plans with intent, so yes, I know my own way?” I cannot when I understand, accept, and live by humble faith. Did I plan without asking God’s leading in time past to be where I am now, doing what I am doing now? Is this truly my construct? Am I now what I intended before? No. Absolutely not. I am now what my loving God intended before. Accept this, invites a bright, hopeful heart’s return.
