Philemon 12-16

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. – Philemon 12-16

Dear Father in Heaven,

Paul knew that he was living under your ever watching eyes.  He knew that his plans for Onesimus were irrelevant when compared to yours.  So, he gave him up even when he desperately needed him.  Help me to let people go too.  It’s easy for me to cling to them and not let them go to serve others you have for them to bless.  I repent of my habit of pulling people close for my own benefit. Give me the wisdom to see people right now that I need to “send away” to bless each other.  And give me the generosity of spirit to share them with heartfelt joy and not swim in the fruitless feelings that come from missing them.  You are always with me and I know you will bring more people into my life to bless and encourage me.  You have never let me down.  I trust your plan even when I have to wait.  AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Are you lonely and missing someone important in your life? Give them to God and wait for God to bless you with others.  Loneliness in faith is the stage for growth.