Things like this happen in fictional stories all the time because the writer has something in mind for his characters. What about in real life? Is there a malevolent writer that wants to see us endure horrible things just to bring about a happy ending?
I would say no. We make our own choices and put ourselves in those positions. But... can you think of a time when you did something really dumb, but it worked out for the best?
Because God is a loving designer with a purpose for each of our lives, in His mercy He often brings amazing things out of our stupid or sinful mistakes. This was the case in the life of Onesimus.
Onesimus was a slave in the Roman world to a Christian who lived in Colossae named Philemon. Onesimus did two things that would have been considered dumb back then:
1. He ran to escape from his position as a slave
2. He probably stole from his master before leaving.
While we in modern day America might justify his actions, in the Roman world he had committed two crimes worthy of death.
God had something better in mind for Onesimus!
While on the lam, Onesimus became a believer in Christ and started ministering to Paul who was still a Roman prisoner.
Is there a time when God did something unexpectedly great in your life?
Because of the new relationship between Paul and Onesimus, Paul decided to write to Philemon to ask him to pardon his slave. He did not want Onesimus to be held guilty for his crimes. Paul started by reminding Philemon what a blessing Philemon had been to him in the past.
Philemon 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
If you want someone to do the right thing, reminding them of the good things they have done in the past is a good way to start.
Read Philemon 1:8-11: What did Paul do next to encourage Philemon to honor his request?
Philemon 1:8-11 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
How did Paul describe himself?
Why did Paul describe Onesimus as useful?
Who has taken a stand on your behalf?
Paul went one step further.
Philemon 1:18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Paul offered to make good on the debts of Onesimus. This is a picture of what Jesus did for us when he took on the debt we could not pay.
How do you think Onesimus felt about Paul's letter and offer to repay his debt?
Onesimus had to face the man he wronged, have you been in the position of having to own up to your mistakes and go back to the person you wronged?
How did people respond to you? What do you think Philemon did to Onesimus?
Ultimately, God is in control of everything. He is able to make our personal failures into the turning points that change our lives.
Philemon 1: 15-16 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.
Paul believed in Providence, not luck. Providence is God's design at work. When is the last time you noticed God's master plan in your life?
Testimony of a rowdy 6th grade boy that was always getting in trouble.
We can run wild, but we are all slaves until we let Jesus pay the debt that we all owe. Are you a prisoner of your past mistakes, or will you run wild with the freedom that only comes through trusting Jesus?
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