Trusting God's promises, seeing his hand of protection and provision, and watching Paul's faithful leadership and commitment to God's mission are fertile grounds for our spiritual growth. I'm reminded of Romans 15:4. Paul had not yet set foot to Rome when he wrote these words: "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Seems pretty clear to me that he took those words to heart. I want to do the same. How about you, dear Reader?