Philemon 10-12
I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.
After learning over ten years ago from a mentor while studying the book of Philemon that the name “Onesimus” actually means “useful,” it has been my ongoing plea for the Lord to grant that I would be onesimus to Him.
What followed was not an immediate call to serve in a greater capacity, but Real Life, a battle that has daily challenged me to fight for joy despite heart-wrenching grief and humanly unsolvable issues, mine no more than others I am sure. I have been taught the priceless value of daily digging trenches in prayer for myself and those I love – the most I can do, not the least. Though I expect no less from an awesome God, I still stand in awe in overwhelming gratefulness as He fills those trenches with steadfast love, compassion, and faithfulness new every morning, and answers my prayers far more abundantly than all I asked or imagined. Because that is Who He is.
So here I am, sending you my very heart on these pages – all I have been taught out of the overflow of His love in the trenches. May my decades endeavoring to know God better by digging deep in His Word and pursing Him relentlessly through mountains and deserts of life (in order to have all there is to have of Him in this world) enable me to be useful to you, and to Him.
Humbly, in service,
Shelley Goforth
Shelley is available to speak at events and conferences. To inquire, email sheteaches.org@gmail.com.