Tuesday's Lesson - Paul Reaches Rome

"But when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him" (Acts 28:16, NKJV). What does this text tell us about how Paul finally got to Rome? What lesson can we draw from this for ourselves about the unexpected and unwanted things that so often come our way?

This passage reveals that Paul finally made it to Rome. He made it to Rome as a prisoner.Though Paul did not make it to Rome under the best circumstances it allowed him to fulfill His mission to the gentiles.

When we pray prayers we must not stereotype the way In which God will answer our prayers. Most certainly this was an unwanted situation but God was able to use this unwanted situation to accomplish spreading His gospel to the gentiles.

We too must stop pray and ask for wisdom to understand our trials in light of what God is trying to do for us and His kingdom. James tells us to "2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."(James 1:2-3.) James is specifically asking about wisdom to understand trials.

What do the following texts tell us about Paul's time in Rome? More important, what lesson can we learn from them? Acts 28:17–31.

When Paul began in Rome He found that he was given a difficult time. The roman government found no reason to keep Paul in prison so he was released. On the other hand Paul's own people found fault with him because he was not officially commissioned them.

Paul reported to them, and had to opportunity to share when them the message of Jesus. Some believed and some din not. Afterwards Paul preached in that area for two years unhindered.

Paul's start in Rome was initially difficult but ad things unfolded God opened up opportunities for him to minister there unhindered. We must also learn to persevere in the mission that God has called us to.

How many times have you experienced unexpected twists in your life that, in the end, turned out for good? (See Phil. 1:12.) How can, and should, those experiences give you faith to trust God for the things where no good seems to have arisen?

The thing I like about God is that He is creative. He knows how to take seemingly hopeless situations and turn them around for Good. When we trust God and stand still and see his salvation we will have peace in any situation. During trials it is often difficult to believe, but we must look past the present to God's consistent loving interaction with us.

Prayer: Father thank you for the trials you bring our way. Help us to trust you that all things will work together for the good. Encourage us when all seems lost to securely fasten our trust in you. Thank you in Jesus name Amen.