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. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people 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 contribution, 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.

Paul is laying out his travel plans. He works hard in the ministry, and he strategically plans for success. Here we see he has a reason for his visits, and he is allowing God’s work to take priority in his life. He saw a need in the persecuted church in Jerusalem for financial aid and he used his connections to help them. He also presented the need to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, and they stepped up. He enabled them to serve by presenting an opportunity. This tells us that Paul had discipled the believers in these churches and practiced this principle in James: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James‬ ‭1:22‬)

‬‬One principal Paul is demonstrating here is to prioritize the active faith of the Gentiles in sharing with those in need … over regular church visits. I think this is also a good practice for us to implement. It is easy to visit those we know who can bless us and are not in need. But it is more crucial to come to the aid of those in need and assist others in the ministry of generosity!
Lord, help me to strategically plan the work you have laid out for me. May I prioritize meeting needs and coming to the aid of others over my personal comfort. Thank you for this example of churches helping each other. May it be so with me and my church in increasing measure!