"in the will of God…" Romans 1:10

BRINGING EVERYTHING TO GOD IN PRAYER

Paul certainly practised what he preached. To the Philippian Church he wrote these famous lines.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made known to God"
Philippians 4:6

This was what Paul did as he prayed for the Roman Church.

"Making request if, by some means, now at last
I may find a way in the will of God to come to you."
Romans 1:10

1. Paul's hope and desire to minister in Rome

Paul had ministered for the Lord in many major cities, like Corinth, Ephesus etc. There was one city that he had not yet ministered in- Rome. With all his heart he desired to minister in Rome too.

2. Submitting everything to the will of God in prayer

This was something that Paul learned to do as he ministered. Let's look at some of the occasions when things did not work as he had hoped.

a) Forbidden by the Holy Spirit

There were occasions when the Spirit of God actually forbade them to minister in certain regions.

"Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region
of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach
the Word in Asia. After they had gone to Mysia, they tried to go
to Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them."
Acts16:6-7

What are some reasons for the Spirit of God to forbid them to preach in Asia and Bithynia?

i) Not the right time.

ii) Paul was being sent to minister elsewhere (in this context… Macedonia- Acts 16:9-10).

b) Wisdom to bring all requests to God in prayer

Paul decided that the wisest thing to do was to submit his request to the Lord in prayer! In this instance, he spoke of ultimately submitting himself to the will of God! If God were to permit it, in His divine will, then he would minister in Rome. But if He were to forbid it, then he would exercise his faith to trust in God's perfect will!