Have ever asked the question, “Why me?” Has something happened to delay a project you were working on, and you were frustrated? Did you ask God, “Why?” Did you later realize it was for your benefit? Did you see God at work on your behalf in the delay?
There can be times when we experience setbacks, and we are frustrated. We may even become angry. Yet, God may be working in that setback, doing something for our benefit. Rather than being upset, we are to trust God is in control and everything will work out for our good.
The Apostle Paul exposes a situation as he writes a letter to Philemon. Paul calls him a co-worker and mentions that Philemon hosts a church within his house. Based on what Paul’s description of Philemon, we can also assume he was somewhat wealthy. Paul appeals to Philemon in his letter, explaining that God has done a good work on his behalf.
Onesimus was a slave of Philemon’s who had evidently run away. He ended up with Paul and Paul spoke to him of Christ. Onesimus becomes a Christian and is serving Paul as he is in prison. According to Paul’s letter, Onesimus was not a good worker beforehand but has now become a good worker. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon and asking that Philemon both accept him back warmly and treat him as a brother.
There are many lessons in this single chapter letter of Paul’s. One is that God is working for our good, even when we don’t see it. A second lesson is that when someone commits their life to Christ and the Holy Spirit works on them, they change for the better. A third lesson is, we are to do what is right according to the laws of the land, even when we don’t agree with them, and trust God with the results. When we trust God is in control and appeal to him, we relieve ourselves of stress and grow in our faith.
I pray we all choose to trust that God is in control. I pray we choose to follow the laws of our nation. I pray each one of us will appeal to God in all situations, turning the results over to him. Know God is in control. Follow the laws. Appeal to God. Know he is working for your good.
Philemon 15-16 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Marty Pressey 