I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. Philemon 20-24 NIV
Paul was in prison. He had been beaten, mocked, and spat upon. He was not in the prime of life according to the world. All he asked from his friend Philemon was a little more time with Onesimus. Paul wanted Philemon to sacrifice as a Christian. Onesimus was already gone. Philemon had managed without him, and Paul had so much use for him spreading the gospel. Paul knew that with the heart of Philemon so focussed on Christ, Philemon would not complain about the physical loss of Onesimus.
Did you have to give up anything to be a Christian? Are there friends who don't think you are "cool" because of your new found faith? Are there places you no longer go, or habits you had to break because you want to please the Lord? Is there some way you must sacrifice to be a Christian?
The life of a Christian is not absent of adversity. It isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes it is just plain difficult. God calls us to give our whole lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. Are we prepared to lay everything on the line for the sake of our calling? Are we ready to allow God to do with us all that He wants so that His will might be accomplished?
Paul was calling Philemon to give sacrificially to the cause of Christ. God calls us today to do no less!
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