Philemon - Pt 7

For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. (Philemon 1:15-20 ESV). In the letter to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul declares "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." That is a true statement. It has proven true in my life. The reason that the apostle may make that statement with absolute confidence is that God is ultimately sovereign. He is working life's situations, good and bad, together so that in the end, blessings come in the life of a Christian. God helps us to reach His ultimate goal for our lives, throughout the pages of time. Those acts on our behalf are often surprising. This must have been true with Philemon. He probably wasn't too happy when Onesimus left. He lost a slave. He lost revenue; net worth; and profit. Even if Onesimus wasn't the hardest working slave, he was still better than nothing. Philemon's first reaction to Paul may have instinctively been "I deserve Onesimus back as a slave." Yet, God used the time away from Philemon to work an ultimate good in the life of Onesimus. Taking him from a useless slave, he turned him into a useful servant of God. The time was also redeemed for Philemon. Although he no longer had a slave, he now had a new brother in Christ. I don't know about you, but I'll take a brother in Christ over a useless employee any day. Finally, God also worked the situation out for the good of Paul. Paul now had a faithful fellow servant who could help Paul further the cause of Christ. God worked all things for good! Perhaps there is something in your life that isn't turning out the way you planned. You have questioned God, but haven't received an answer that explains why. Maybe you don't think God is in control. Take it from the story of Philemon, Onesimus and Paul. God is working all things for good. Right now it may not seem possible to find good in the midst of the storm, but time is on God's side. He is able, and He will see you through the darkness and back into His glorious light. His promises are still true. Your future is secure, and the good will come when His will is done!