"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 visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while." (Romans 15:23-24)

Here's something remarkable about Christ: He creates a bond that outruns both time and distance. Paul had never once met the believers in Rome, yet he'd spent years aching to visit them. He opened this very letter with it: "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world" (Romans 1:8). Their faith had become the kind of story that traveled—all the way back to where Christianity started. And it made Paul long to be with them.

Listen to how deeply he felt it: "God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you" (Romans 1:9-10). Every time these strangers crossed his mind, he thanked God for them and prayed for a chance to finally show up in person. So as he closes the letter, he lets them in on the plan—he's hoping to see them on his way to Spain.

He also had a practical hope in mind. Because their faith was so strong, Paul knew they'd be willing partners in the mission. He wanted them to send him on his way—financially, prayerfully, relationally—so the gospel could keep moving into new territory. But the mission came after. First, he wanted to enjoy some real time with them, to pour into them face-to-face after all those years of praying for strangers he'd never seen.

As it turns out, Paul did make it to Rome—but not the way he'd planned. He went in chains. Arrested in Jerusalem, appealed to Caesar, and transported to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 21-28). And yet, even under house arrest, he did exactly what he said he'd do. "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 28:30-31).

The plan changed. The destination didn't. Paul got to Rome, met those believers he'd prayed for year after year, and poured out everything he had. God's purposes don't get derailed by closed doors or changed plans—they just take a different route. And that's a good thing to remember whenever your life doesn't go the way you mapped it out.

A Few Honest Questions:

1. Is there a relationship in your life that Christ has knit together across distance or difference?

2. When your plans fall through, do you trust that God's purpose is still on track?

3. Who have you been praying for from a distance that you could reach out to today?