November 29, 2018
Is This a Blessing or a Burden?
Romans 15:25-29
Allison Sims
Central Truth
We can make our own plans, even noble and good ones, but God is constantly directing our steps for His greater purpose. One never knows what He has in store! The Lord calls us to be faithful to Him.
Romans 15:25-29
25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, 1 15:28 Greek sealed to them this fruit I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing 2 15:29 Some manuscripts insert of the gospel of Christ.
Dive Deeper | Romans 15:25-29
A few years ago, I went on a ski trip with some of my friends. I was getting into my groove when I found myself at the top of a slope that I should not have been on. I wound up tangled in my skis, which resulted in a broken tibia. It was extremely painful, but I’m thankful for what the Lord revealed to me. I had the opportunity to watch dear friends be the hands and feet of Christ; my empathy for those in pain grew; and it prepared me for tough times ahead. That season looked different than I would have originally desired, but I’m thankful for my achy knee as a reminder.
Reflecting on the latter part of Romans 15, we see Paul writing to the Roman church about his plans to visit after his stint in Jerusalem. He looks forward to spending time with them and even states, “I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.” (Romans 15:29)
The Lord allows Paul to go to Rome, but God’s “blessing” on Paul looks different than we might expect. In Acts 28:16, we see that Paul arrives in chains—not exactly the entrance I would have wanted!
While in Rome and imprisonment, he writes letters to Colossae, Ephesus, Philippi, and Philemon and continues to share the good news of the gospel. God’s plan is different, and it changes everything!
My ski accident pales in comparison to what Paul went through, but in our lives, God will bless us in ways that may not always feel like a blessing. Since my ski accident, the Lord has sent blessings that the world might view differently. Paul so eloquently writes to the church at Corinth, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
This month's memory verse
Do Not Cause Another to Stumble
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
– Romans 14:13
Discussion Questions
1. Can you think of a time when you truly believed you were going one direction, but the Lord had you go down a completely different path? What was He teaching you?
2. Can you think of a time when what you experienced didn't seem like a blessing? When did you realize that it was, in fact, a blessing?
3. Suffering is a reality as a Christ follower. Look up the following Scriptures to see what God's Word says about suffering: Romans 5:3-4, Romans 8:18, Isaiah 53:3, Matthew 10:39, Job 1:20-21, 1 Peter 2:21.
4. What other verses have taught you lessons about suffering? Share them in the comments to this devotional.