The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"Hindrance and Opportunity"
"I long to see you… Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, but was let (hindered) hitherto, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles" (Romans 1:11; 13).
"I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation, but as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you" (Romans 15:20-22).
We understand why the Apostle Paul had long desired to visit the believers of Rome to minister Christ in the venue that served as the very seat of power in the Mediterranean world at the time. We also understand why the Lord did not allow Paul to fulfill his desire for many years, namely, the writing of the epistle to the Romans. Had the Apostle been able to visit Rome as he desired, his letter would very likely not exist. Such a loss cannot be fathomed, as Romans is viewed by many as the beating heart of truth in all Scripture.
A principle of vital understanding lies before us in this hindrance that made possible the most wondrous opportunity . What "epistle of Romans" does the Holy Spirit inspire in every believer when our seemingly good and proper desires cannot be fulfilled? How is God glorified, and how are others blessed? Like Paul, we often do not know the answer. Indeed, our brother of old never knew that twenty centuries after his earthly lifetime, his words to the Romans (and the other Pauline epistles) would be read by multitudes around the world every day. Paul understood to a degree the value of his writings, based on his awareness of the Holy Spirit's inspiration of them (Colossians 4:16; I Thessalonians 5:27). He could not possibly have realized, however, the worldwide access made possible by advancing technology and transportation that places his letter to the Romans before countless eyes and hearts every day. In similar manner, as we walk with our Lord, seemingly unfulfilled desires serve as unparalleled opportunities for the Holy Spirit to glorify the Lord Jesus in ways we will likely not realize, but of which we can be certain.
When hindrance arrives on our doorstep, let us realize it always comes with opportunity. Our calling lies in not allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by discouragement, but rather through Christ to overcome by faith (I John 5:4). Perhaps the brightest ray of Biblical light shines throughout the world because a man's longing was not fulfilled. The earnest and utmost desire of his heart - to glorify the Lord Jesus - did come to pass, however, in ways and measure beyond his wildest imaginations - "exceeding, abundantly above all we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). The same will be true in our lives as we overcome rather than be overwhelmed, and as dear Paul's sublime epistle to the Romans reminds us…
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
(Proverbs 16:9)
"As for God, His way is perfect."
(II Samuel 22:31)
Weekly Memory Verse
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
(II Corinthians 4:6)
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