BIBLE READING: Philemon 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 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.
What does this passage mean to you?
BLOG: I didn't blog yesterday, but in my defense, I was very, very busy.
Around 1 pm, I heard a scream. It was my wife, and I recognized what kind of cry it was. She had fallen and hurt herself. Long story short, she broke both arms. Now, remember, she broke her leg just a couple of weeks ago. She was and is in pain.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
We all love to quote that verse, especially when we face something whose reward is welcomed. But the problem is when we encounter something severe and painful. We don't want to quote it. No, I am not saying that I don't want to serve and love my wife. I am saying that I don't want to watch her go through this. It is painful and harsh.
But - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
How, Pastor, can I face these seemingly impossible problems? Here are a few things you can do to meet the unwanted or undesired.
Remember that God is the God of the impossible. You say, "impossible." God says, "I've got you." Trust Him through this time.
Love the person, not the problem. We can and will get angry. But remember to focus your love on the person, not your anger. Sure, maybe they deserve it (no my wife doesn't) but not now. There are a time and place to do the right thing.
Believe in yourself. God created you knowing that you were going to go through this.
Don't be afraid. What if I make a mistake? It isn't a matter of "if" as much as a matter of "when." Don't be afraid to make mistakes, to say "I'm sorry," or forgive yourself.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, I can do all things because you are my source of strength. AMEN
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