E-Message Bible/Commentary
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." --- Psalm 119:105
PHILEMON
Use Me!
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. (Philemon 10-11)
A "Use Me" prayer is dangerous because when you ask God to use you, He will. Many people pray this prayer with their lips only. When God prompts them to act, they make excuses or think they did not really hear from God. In other words, they refuse to be used. Like Jonah, they run in the opposite direction. We should remember that God does not call us to do something or to go someplace without first equipping us for the task. The ability to do the job is embedded within the call. It is dangerous to ask God to use you and you don't respond. Remember, delayed obedience is disobedience. Partial obedience is disobedience. Disobedience illustrates a lack of trust. When you pray a "Use Me" prayer, you are saying, "God, I'm available if you want to do something great through me. I'm available if you want to touch another life through me."
"Use Me" prayers are powerful. They create adventure because you never know how God will use you. You never know the results of your prayers until you are right in the middle of the answer. If you are at a standstill in your life, or ministry, or marriage, or career, go on . . . pray a "Use Me" prayer right now and be amazed at the awesome things God will do through you.
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From Useless to Useful
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. (Philemon 10-11).
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. (Philemon 10-11).
The word "useless" is an adjective which means having or being of no use. It is ineffectual. It means not being able to give service or aid. However, the word "useful" is an adjective which means capable of being put to use; serviceable for an end or purpose. The example given in the dictionary is: "Do something useful with your life."
Paul used both words in the same verse. He said Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, was useless before he ran away. After he ran away and visited Paul in prison, he become saved and is now useful. Onesimus means "useful," and he lived up to his name. He did something useful with his life. He returned to his master a changed person.
Do not be a fugitive from God. Do not run away from Him. Do not hide from Him. Be like Onesimus. Do something useful with your life. Take the first step to go from useless to useful by honoring God by accepting His son, Jesus Christ. The other steps will happen when you return to your Master.
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