SWHW Bible Reading Plan: July 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Michelle Myers:

Romans may be one of Paul's richest letters. He lays out a clear doctrine of belief for Christ-followers accompanied by how we should behave as Christ-followers. It's almost equal parts theology and practical application. 

It truly feels impossible to simply choose one takeaway given the meat of this text. If you need to, so you can truly digest every word, slow down your pace and take several days for each chapter of Romans. You never need permission to slow down and take more time. Opening God's Word is about spending time with Him, not simply checking a box as complete.

I want to draw your attention to what Paul writes in the middle of vs. 13:

"...that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far)..."

Throughout Paul's letters, it's not hard to see how this statement was true. Paul was often derailed in his plans to get to Rome. And when he finally did get to Rome, it was under house arrest as a prisoner, not as a free man.

Since he was delayed in getting there in person, Paul opted to write this letter. All of his other letters to churches in the New Testament were written after he had helped get the church started in that particular city. They're very specific and personal in nature.

All of Paul's letters spell out the gospel, but Romans is different. It's more of a complete foundation from start to finish. And because of the uniqueness of the absence of a personal visit to Rome first before writing the letter, I wonder if his letter to the Romans contains the foundational theology and wisdom he often imparted in person when he helped plant the other churches.

This is where my mind drifted today: If Paul had not been delayed in getting to Rome, he may not have written this letter. And if Paul had not written this letter, not only would the Romans not have received this letter, but we wouldn't have this letter either.

Here's what this should teach us about God: the "no's" and the "wait's" He gives us can be used just as powerfully as His "yes" and His "now." 

Because His ways and His thoughts are abundantly higher and greater than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), we won't always understand what God is doing. But we can always trust He's working for His glory and our good in ways that are so much bigger than getting the answer we want.

It's not easy to do, but it is often so much simpler than we make it. Let's faithfully live each day where God has us, believing whether His answer to us is "yes" or "no," whether it's "now" or "wait," God is mightily at work, and we can trust Him.

God, I am confident You are always at work. You see what I cannot see, and You know what I do not and cannot know. I do not want to get in Your way. God, help me to trust, and to even get excited when you tell me "no" or "wait." When You work in ways I don't expect, You're working in ways I am incapable to ask for, dream, or imagine. And I want what You want, God, not simply what I want. Increase my faith. I trust You completely and I love You. Amen.