Everyone needs to be Refreshed

Literally: to cool again. We all know what it’s like to get angry or upset and feel the heat of

rage. An Onesiphorus in our lives acts like a cooling agent. They help us see things as they are, not in the distorted heat

of emotion.

Breeze of fresh air. On a hot day it’s nice to feel a cool breeze. In our lives we need those who come and comfort

us in such a way.

Reinvigorate. A person who reinvigorates restores energy and passion. We all need to surround ourselves with

people who do this for us. We also need to become the type people who do this for others. On the other hand there are people who drain us… 

You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 2 Tim 1:15. Two people that Paul thought he could depend on deserted him.

Have you ever been deserted by a friend? I have and I know exactly how it feels. I often ask myself these questions;

• How is that relationship now?

• What hurt the most?

• Who helped me recover?

You would think that someone like the Apostle Paul would not get discouraged or disappointed, but he did. Even Jesus got discouraged and disappointed. Here’s what that’s means to us:

Everyone need to be refreshed. 

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Tim. 1:16-18

The Phillips Translation says, “Many times that man out FRESH HEART in me.”  

Onesiphorus was Paul’s refresher. He was not ashamed of Paul. He even went to great lengths to find the apostle while in Rome. He was a friend who remain by Paul’s side regardless of the circumstances.

This Saturday as I set off on holiday I intend to retreat, refresh and renew my spirit, soul and body.

Take time to be refreshed and have a great day.

John