Romans 15:17-33

Paul made it clear that the only thing he had to be proud of was what Christ had done through him. All of his accomplishments were because he was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Paul said that he had wanted to come to Rome for some time, but since he was committed to spreading the gospel in places that had never heard it, he hadn't been able to visit yet. He said he was coming now by way of Jerusalem and on to Spain and asked for the prayers of the Roman believers that he would be spared any problems in Jerusalem.

The only reason any of us has to be proud is what Christ has done in each of our lives. The only things that matter for eternity are those things done when we allow him to work in our lives for His glory and honor. Paul's commitment to taking the gospel to new places showed how seriously he took his service to Christ. He didn't want to ride on the coattails of others, but gave the glory to Jesus by going to places where His name was not known so there were many more lives touched. We can do all things through Christ. The only thing holding us back is us. Pray to God and ask what amazing things He has in store for you.