Unlimited: I Have Been Prevented
Apr 6, 2022 1298
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles (Romans 1:13).
The apostle Paul recognises that he has been “prevented” from visiting the brothers and sisters in Rome. As one who submits his life under God’s direction, Paul recognises that it is God who “opens the way,” and that it is God who “prevents.”
Here, Paul explains why he wants to visit Rome. It is “in order that I might have a harvest among you.” Yet still he has been prevented.
Can you think of an experience in your life when God prevented something happening in order to rescue you?
Who can know, but only God, what harm may have been caused to the trajectory of Christianity may have been if Paul had gone to Rome before this time, against the will of God? Perhaps he may never have written his epistles. Perhaps we would not have the message of the Gospel today.
Praise God that he prevents! Who can know the many dangers from which he has saved us?
Praise God even more that he prevents us from receiving the things we wrongly asked for! Praise God that he prevents us from obtaining those things that we think are best! Praise God that he prevents us from stumbling along in our own wisdom: for when he prevents, he also allows us to fulfil his good will in our lives.
Spiritual Application
Can you think of an experience in your life when God prevented something happening in order to rescue you? We won’t know most of these occasions, but you may be aware of some of them. Make it a point to share it with a group of fellow believers at your church, in order to bring praise to God.
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