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 Romans 1:1  - A Life Mission


What are you preparing for today? Mission statements, strategic plans, SWOT analysis, budgeting, and professional development plans are a big part of our lives. But do those plans incorporate our existential goals, those of eternal significance? To the extent they don’t, let’s adjust. In the first half of this marvelous chapter, Paul is yearning to see God’s power at work, changing lives. Paul wants to teach the truth of what God’s done. He wants to spread the good news, encourage people, be inspired, and work alongside others to see the fantastic spiritual fruit of obeying God. Seeing people, families, and communities growing strong in God, nothing is better.

How much faith do you have that God will see you through the preparations and take you where He wants you? I love how Paul has strong desires in his heart yet always deference to God. Paul says, “God willing,” as he prays for the opportunities he desires (1:10). Let’s follow that example in our planning and prayers. Don’t neglect what God puts on your heart. Does part of your personal plan (or the core of your mission) relate to sharing the Good News? I hope it does. Let’s pray for that today. The Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight (1:17). This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. It is the power of God at work. I couldn’t be more excited to read through and hear from God in this marvelous book of the Bible.

Jesus encouraged Paul and confirmed to Paul that he would go and preach the Good News in Rome. Paul had faith in King Jesus. Let us increase our faith in Jesus today. His promises are always trustworthy and good. People for all time are looking for what is real; Christianity is real because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (1:4). People let us down. But God will not. Our Heavenly Father will bless you as you tell people about Christ Jesus and what he has done. The Church will continue to grow. Until Christ returns to this earth, people will hear, believe, and obey God. It’s God’s way. Always has been. Always will be.

Paul used his two years in jail in Cesarea to preach to Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (and likely many others). And Paul worked constantly preparing for preaching in Rome. Paul trusted Jesus that he would see spiritual fruit in Rome. Are you trusting Jesus that He will use you to work among people where you will see spiritual fruit as people believe in Jesus? I’m asking myself the same question. The Good News is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. Nothing is beyond God’s control. Let’s expect great things from God. He wants us to trust Him more.

I ask you today to recommit your life to Jesus Christ so that you may be his faithful and obedient messenger. I am doing the same. I pray He encourages you to work among people and share the Good News so people believe in Jesus and obey him.

Lord Jesus, as we recommit to you today, please bless us in your truth. Please encourage us. Please clarify what our spiritual gifts are and how we must use them. Please show us where to work. Help us to prepare well today. Today is your day, our Lord and our King.

Thank you, Jesus,

Amen.





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