Devotionals

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Don't Be Discouraged About Your Present Circumstances!

For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 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. Philemon 1: 15-16 (NKJV)

The book of Philemon in the bible is a short, fascinating read. Paul was writing a letter, making an appeal to a rich Christian slaveowner called Philemon. One of his slaves, Onesimus, had escaped to Rome and come across Paul's path. While in Paul's company, he became a Christian and then Paul encouraged him to return to his master.

Hopefully you are not enslaved today, but maybe in circumstances where you feel like it is impossible to do God's will for your life. The slave, Onesimus, must have felt so discouraged until he met Paul. We do not know the reasons why he escaped, but he must have been worried about returning - otherwise this letter from Paul would not have been necessary. But just when he needed help, God provided it for Onemisus. The apostle seems to have taken him under his wing.

It does look as though Philemon (the slave owner) may have become a Christian through Paul's ministry, so Paul was in a position to plead with Philemon to welcome Onesimus back - not as a slave but as a brother in Christ.

Today you may have an unsaved spouse who makes life very difficult for you to operate freely in the things that you feel God has for you. You may have unsaved parents who do not support the path that you have chosen to walk. You may be surrounded by unsaved friends. Whatever the situation, don't be discouraged. Pray for those around you. Treat them well and love them. God will honour you when you honour Him through your selfless actions. Pray for Him to open up a door to allow you to flow in your calling and don't forget that God doesn't call the equipped but He equips the called.

If you believe that God has called you, trust Him. Let your actions be without fault to those around you who are trying to stop you from doing what you feel called to do. Then, like the slave Onesimus, who came across Paul's path just when he needed help, God will provide you with a solution just when you need it.

Prayer:
Thank you God, that You do have a plan for my life and the circumstances that I find myself surrounded in do not hinder Your will. Please help me to unconditionally love those around me, and act like You would have done when You walked upon this earth. Help me and encourage me in the times of difficulty. In Jesus name, Amen.

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