Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. Acts 19:21-22 ESV
Yesterday we considered the importance of using reliable word-for-word translations of the Bible. In addition, we considered the danger of formulating doctrine (or dogmatic teaching) based on words that can be translated in different ways. Today, let’s see what this passage does not say for sure, and an important application we can take from it.
We do not know how “resolutely” Paul made his traveling plans in (v.19-22). Was he led by the Holy Spirit, or were his plans merely led by his own spirit (heart)? We do not know.
We do know that Paul was unable to carry out the plans he made. Paul never made it to Rome. We would assume that if it was God’s will that Paul go to Rome, he would have made it there. This leads me to lean in the direction that the plans originated in Paul’s heart, not the will of the Holy Spirit.
Two applications:
First, do not say, “The Lord told me,” or “The Lord is leading me” to do this or that. Too many people say these things, but they either do not happen, or they turn out to not be God’s will. It is one thing to say “I think the Lord would have me to do…” This way we are assuming responsibility if things turn out differently than we planned. Otherwise, we present the Lord as having been wrong. He is never wrong!*
Second, we should make plans—but let us write them in pencil (rather than in ink)! It has been said, “Failure to plan is a plan to fail!” But let us always remember Proverbs 19:21, “There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel—that will stand.”
*Footnote: Let us not forget that in God’s law, those who claim to speak for God, but do not are false prophets which is punishable by death. Though we are not under that civil aspect of the OT Law, the principle remains true.