Unlimited: Paul’s Interrupted Life
Dec 5, 2023 387
This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you (Romans 15:22).
The apostle Paul here explains that the reason why he hasn’t fulfilled his desire yet, to visit the church in Rome, is because he has been hindered by his desire to preach the Gospel in every place Jesus is not known. It is the preaching of the Gospel that is the great interruption in the apostle Paul’s life. He has found a greater joy than fulfilling his own desires. Who is the great Hinderer? Is it not God himself?
When God hinders, it is always for good. Sometimes God hinders others so that we are not harmed. This was the case in Daniel 6, when Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, but
God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions (v.22a.)
It is the preaching of the Gospel that is the great interruption in the apostle Paul’s life.
Sometimes God hinders us from taking a foolish action, as when he stopped Peter’s sword attack in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus said to Peter,
“Put your sword back in its place… for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matt. 26:52–53.)
Spiritual Application
Paul couldn’t know that God would hinder him from visiting Rome for quite a while yet. We are often in such a hurry. What plans do you feel are on hold in your life? Could that be God’s plan for you too?
Joseph Mangisa
Dec 5, 2023
This is quite interesting as well as great lesson. We most of the time have our plans but God is the one to fulfil. It is not always the devil who can hinder us, but God also does it for our good. Eg in Acts 16:1-4