Gratitudeنمونہ

In the midst of the challenge

Philemon is a short one-chapter book in the New Testament and was based on a brief letter from the apostle Paul to fellow Christian and co-worker, Philemon. From prison, Paul tells Philemon that he would be grateful if Philemon would restore Onesimus, his previously useless runaway slave, and receive him back into his home again as Onesimus had become a brother in Christ, born-again and transformed. Paul actually tells Philemon, in the Australian vernacular: "You owe me one. I saved your life; could you now help Onesimus?"

These short 25 verses in Philemon expose one of the sources of Paul’s faith: gratitude. Paul believes that even in prison, God has a plan for the glory of God and the benefit of many. Whilst chained, Paul has the opportunity to lead Onesimus to faith. Whether or not he had met Onesimus before, Paul made the connection between Onesimus and Philemon, and after Onesimus’ sentence, and coincidently, his discipleship season had ended, Onesimus was finally released from jail.

In the midst of hardship, Paul is grateful for an opportunity to see the Gospel flourish in Onesimus’ life, grateful to see him established in the faith, and grateful for the benefit from Onesimus’ encouragement back to Paul.

Ultimately, Paul is grateful to God. He is grateful for Onesimus and would be grateful for Philemon’s help. What are you grateful for in the midst of your challenges today?

Written by JOHN SCOTT