Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia (Greece) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints 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,Why cou 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 received this fruit, 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. (Romans 15:25-29)
In Alara’s Call by Kristen Stieffel, Alara was a curate in the Telshan church, a parallel to our Christian church. Alara traveled under armed guard for an arranged marriage to the Makutian Crown Prince whom she shared her faith with. Because her god required love in marriage, she escaped with her suitor, Dorrell, to his country, Redique. Through Alara, her triune deity made saints (believers) and changed countries.
Through Paul, God showed saints the importance of serving one another both spiritually and materially. Here, Paul couldn’t visit the Romans until he finished God’s will to deliver an offering to the famine-stricken believers in Jerusalem. According to Acts, Paul visited Rome 3 years later, under armed guard, on trial for his life.
Like Alara and Paul we must seek the will of our triune deity. Then, in everything we do, we’ll have the full power of the blessing of our Redeemer.