Romans 15:23–29 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ

At the end of the book of Romans, Paul discusses his travel plans and sends personal greetings to a lot of the believers in Rome. Did you ever ask yourself “Why was this kind of stuff included in God’s Word?” I have. It wasn’t an accident or oversight or afterthought. It was intentional. So what was the reason?

The people we see in Scripture and the ones who wrote the words from God for us were real people, just like us. Their lives were filled with uncertainty and struggles. While they lived at a different time with different challenges, they faced the same questions and problems we have. Struggles providing for their families. Relationship problems. Wondering about the future. Is God real, and is He in control?

The record in Scripture portrays those who trusted in God and His providence and those who did not. It went better (and still does today) for those who trust in God. They believed His promise of a Messiah, whether looking forward to it or seeing that it was fulfilled in Jesus. His rescue changes lives.

Paul dedicated his life to sharing the Good News of what Jesus did for everyone. He still had struggles, but he did not face them alone. He knew God was in control and with him wherever he went. Here in Romans he shares his desire to take this message to Spain, and that on the way he planned stop by to see his brothers and sisters in Rome so that they can encourage each other. He also mentions taking a contribution from believers in Greece – GENTILES – to the poor in Jerusalem. This is living out their faith, being stewards of what God entrusted to their care, using it for His kingdom and His purposes. Paul described this kind of generosity again in Galatians.

Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

All this got me thinking about the need for each of us to strive to live every day in response to the salvation Jesus earned for us. We do so in the confidence that God is in control, and we want others to know that we know that by the way we live our lives. And, hopefully, our living this way will be a means through which the Holy Spirit brings more people to faith in Jesus.