Finally
Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. ~ Acts 28:16
Have you ever been on a long trip with children who kept acking the question every parent dreads, “Are we there yet?” Sometimes the question comes only minutes into the journey. Children struggle to understand time and distance, and the longer the ride feels, the more impatient they become. I sometimes wonder if Paul ever felt something similar during his long journey to Rome. His trip was not a few hours or even a few days. It stretched over months, carrying him from Caesarea to Fair Havens, through a fourteen-day storm, across the sea to Malta where he spent three winter months, and finally onward with more stops along the way. Yet Scripture gives me no hint that Paul ever complained or questioned the timing. Instead, he seemed to understand that God was leading him step by step, and he was ready to share the message of salvation no matter where he was.
What I love about Paul is that he did not wait until he arrived at Rome to begin ministry again. He lived his calling at every stop along the way. Whether facing trials, storms, delays or shipwreck, he used each moment as an opportunity to lead people to Jesus. There was no “Are we there yet?” mindset for Paul because wherever he was, he was already there. He lived each day with purpose and carried the mission of God into every situation.
When he finally reached Rome, he was once again ready to get to work. He did not wait for his meeting with Caesar to begin ministry. He simply continued doing what he always did, sharing the love of God with everyone around him. Paul had no idea that God would provide such mercy when he arrived, giving him freedom to live by himself with his own guard and with Luke and Aristarchus by his side. It was a reminder that God thinks of every detail long before we see the evidence of His plan.
This makes me ask myself an honest question. Do I grow impatient during the long stretches of my journey, or do I choose to live out my calling right where I am, today? Ideally, I want to recognize God’s hand in each step and continue to proclaim His goodness wherever He places me. I do not want to wonder, “When will things get easier?” or “When will I reach the good part?” I want to live with confidence that God is with me in every season, guiding me through storms, delays and unexpected turns with purpose.
Below are some ways you can apply this passage in your life:
- Choose to serve God right where you are today, because your purpose does not begin at your destination. You can get started by asking God for one assignment you can fulfill in your current situation.
- Practice patience when the journey seems long, because God is still guiding each step you take. You can get started by speaking gratitude instead of frustration whenever delays show up.
- Treat each day as part of your mission, because every moment carries purpose that God has already prepared. You can get started by looking for someone to bless, encourage or help before the day ends.
I want to leave you with this final encouraging scripture in 1 Peter 3:10-12 that says: “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do and speak evil.”
The Formula for Loving Life and Seeing Good Days from 1 Peter:
- Refrain your tongue from evil speaking, complaining and deceitful words.
- Turn away from evil and do good acts of kindness and love.
- Seek peace in every situation and chase after it.
The Rewards of Living This Way:
- God’s eyes of protection and grace will be on you.
- His ears will be open to your prayers and requests.
- His face will not be against you but for you.
Today I want to encourage you to love the life God has given you and enjoy each day of your journey. Live out your purpose right where you are. Do not let impatience or the unknown weigh you down. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you, and when it feels like the destination is far away, choose praise over complaint. God is using every step to prepare you, strengthen you and place you where you need to be.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 28:11-16
11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli,
14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Journal:
- Where am I growing impatient in my journey, and what is God teaching me through it?
- How can I serve God today in the place I currently stand?
- What words do I need to stop speaking so I can love life and see good days?
- Where is God asking me to pursue peace more intentionally?
The Daily Dose 