His Desires for You Fulfilled

But Paul said: "I am standing at Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you can see very well." - Acts 25:10

Festus, the Roman governor who replaced Felix, was on the verge of actually releasing Paul when the Apostle abruptly made an appeal to Caesar. According to Roman law at the time, such an appeal (when made by a true citizen) had to be honored. In the moment, this appeal seemed to be rash, but in retrospect it was genius.

If Paul had been released, he would have been removed from Roman protection and exposed to Jewish assassins. His release might also have delayed his visit to Rome and made it more difficult to accomplish his goal to travel there in the future. Instead, Paul's appeal obtained an all-expense-paid, secure, immediate trip!

Act wisely. Trust God's providence. Not all difficulty is negative. Life's path is full of unexpected turns, but there is One who holds the map and ensures that you will reach your ultimate destination. Remain surrendered and yielded to His plan and you will arrive with His desires for you fulfilled.

God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning