A Full Understanding

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Philemon 1:4-16

Paul had been imprisoned with a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus. Paul was full of gratitude because he knew God was using it for good. Onesimus had become something more than a slave; he was now a beloved brother in the Lord.

Knowing that God can use all things for good is more than enough reason to give thanks for everything. Giving thanks in difficult circumstances is a small detail that makes a big difference.

God has not promised to keep us from life’s storms,

but He will keep us through them.

Our Daily Bread – October 12, 2009