God's Will Will Be Done

And Agrippa said to Festus, “He could have been set free if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.” [Acts 26.32]

Some time earlier, after Paul was on trial before the High Counsel in Jerusalem, he had a visitation from Jesus:

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.” [Acts 23.11]

Question: If Paul had been released by Agrippa and Festus, could/would Paul have gone on to Rome?

The answer is: of course, he could have, and most likely would have. Not knowing how things might turn out with Festus and Agrippa, it could be reasoned that Paul wanted to do his part to try to get to Rome. But, again, had Paul said nothing, he most likely would have had the opportunity to go to Rome of his own accord.

But wait... then there is the factor of the Jewish leaders who wished Paul dead (by legal or illegal means).

But wait... again... If Jesus told Paul he would go to Rome, what scheme of the Jewish leaders could thwart that plan? Answer: no scheme!

God's will can be accomplished any number of ways. However, we must remain confident that God's will will indeed be done. We can work with it or against it, but God's will will be done. The problem with working against God's will is that we might bring difficulties on ourselves. But, be sure of this: God's will will be done.

Paul's situation is certainly worth considering as we attempt to follow God with our own lives. I know for myself, God has led me to many things and I have led me to many things. But, in the end, God's will is always done and I am usually a little worse for wear if I insisted on my own will...

Father, I genuinely want to be in the center of Your will. May I find it less appealing to interject my own will to any degree. Help me to simply obey and leave the thinking to You...