The MET Church Houston, Texas

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. (2 Timothy 1:16)

Focus. That’s what traumatic events in our life provide. Think of the last time you experienced a desperate event. When you came out on the other side of it, did you feel you could put that on your resume as one of the “been there, done that” things in your life? Some are worse than others, but all produce a sense of having survived. If you are a parent of a troubled teen, you’re focused on parenting and the welfare of your child. If you are in the military and in harm’s way, you’re focused on staying alive. If you are a business owner – especially in today’s economy – you’re focused on staying afloat and making a living for you and your employees. If you drive a car in Houston, you’re focused on not having an accident.

The traumatic event in the Apostle Paul’s life that caused him to focus was being in prison for spreading the Gospel. In prison, Paul chose not to focus on the injustice done to him, but instead on the blessings God provided to him. Even the smallest acts of kindness, like Onesiphorus coming to visit Paul, had a huge impact on him. Paul’s willingness to be thankful for the small things in life, even when in jail, show us how those random acts of kindness can refresh us.

This week if you can relate to Paul’s situation, pray that God can help you focus on the good that surrounds you and not on the bad situation you may currently find yourself in. If you’re not experiencing a traumatic event in your life right now, be like Onesiferous and provide those random acts of kindness in someone’s life. Be a blessing to someone else. Paul found a way to serve despite his circumstances and Onesiferous chose to serve Paul even beyond possible public persecution.