As Paul writes Timothy while in Prison, he tells about a man named Onesiphorus. His name is only mentioned twice in the Bible; both in in this last letter to Timothy. But what Paul says of him is amazing (2 Tim. 1:16-18; 2 Tim. 4:19).
 
First, Onesiphorus did not just visit Paul one time. Paul says, “He oft refreshed me.” When Paul was in the thick of the battle in Ephesus Onesiphorus served Paul. He refreshed him there. Now, in a Roman prison, the need may have been even greater. He often came to Paul.
 
Second, Onesiphorus did something anyone can do.  He was constantly refreshing people. He gave people heart. He brought courage and cheerfulness. What Onesiphorus did does not require extraordinary talent. It did not take a degree in counseling. It did not require a big budget. It did not require a “church” program. What Onesiphorus did simply required compassion, selfless care and appreciation for another. Paul said he refreshed me.
 
Third, Onesiphorus gave Paul what he needed. Paul was a strong man. A man of dauntless courage. A man of great faith. A man of wonderful intimacy with God. But even the great heroic Paul needed Onesiphorus. No one is more greatly needed than the one who can change our hopelessness into expectancy or self- contempt into self-respect. His kind are in universal demand.
 
Finally, it took great courage for Onesiphorus to seek out Paul. Visiting Paul in prison was a risky endeavor. Others had forsaken Paul. Perhaps the risk of being seen with him was just too high a price to pay. Whatever the risk, Onesiphorus concluded the opportunity to refresh this great man was worth the risk.
 
It is not easy when we seek to refresh people with real needs. Refreshing people means we also take on some of their pain, some of their grief, and some of their sorrow. In the end, no one may even notice what we have done. But God will. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).
 
Is there someone who refreshes you? Are you one who refreshed others?

Rickie