Sometimes the Bible doesn't always speak to us in commands and promises, but in examples. God made sure to put plenty of examples in the Bible for us to look up to. We may not find any one person who went through the exact situation we are going through today, but we can almost always find someone who went through something just as difficult, if not harder. These examples can help us run the race and contend for the faith.
But what about the times when a trial may not seem as difficult as others. When we see a situation that doesn't seem as bad so we shove it aside and try to cover it up by our own strength. Sometimes it will work, though normally we just continue to bottle it up inside until the meltdown happens. These meltdowns can always be avoided by looking to the Father and casting our burdens upon Him, for He cares for us. Sometimes these circumstances can be unknowingly interceded upon by a friend though.
Here, Paul mentions how he makes mention of Philemon in his prayers for the blessing that he is. It is always good to thank God for the people He has brought into our lives, whether good or bad, for every person we encounter is there for us to learn something. It could be someone we help alongside the road, someone we bump into at the store, or even someone from work that we don't particularly like. We don't know what God has been doing in their lives or what they have been going through within their own lives. Granted, that is not to say that we will always be an Energizer bunny of happiness and wisdom, but it does mean that whatever we do, wherever we may be, there is always room for prayer. Whether driving in the car to work or school, working out at the gym, or just as we are falling asleep, we should take some time to pray for someone and thank God that they've been brought into our life so that we can be an example or witness to them.
We may never know what is apprehended or who is blessed in different ways when the Father is called upon to help someone out one way or another. God has many blessings that He is able to bestow upon us, all He asks is that we allow Him to do so by asking Him. It may seem weird, but interceding on the behalf of others is actually a blessing behind the scenes that we can give others.
It is not our place to give so that we can be acknowledged and praised, but to give so that God can be glorified. Yes, Paul mentions here that he was praying, but it's out of gratefulness. When we are facing a trial, isn't it always comforting to hear and know that someone is praying for you? I know it helps more to know that someone thinks of it from time to time. Even small prayers get answered by God. They may not get answered in the way we were expecting, but all the better for giving God the glory when it works out differently. The song says, after all, To God be the glory great things He hath done.
Will you thank God today for someone today?
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