Fair-weather Disciples

“You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.  The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; but when in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me -- the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day -- and you know very well what services he rendered to me at Ephesus” (2 Timothy 1:15-18).
Have you ever had a “fair weather friend?”  This kind of “friend” is there for you when the going is good.  He is committed to you as long as nothing strenuous is required.  She is by your side as long as there is something in it for her.  They are eager to be part of a ministry that is exciting and popular.  But when service to God becomes difficult and opposition arises, they scatter.  Suddenly, they are not so willing to be known as your “friend."
It appears that the apostle Paul had his share of fair-weather friends.  Many were willing to be friends of Paul, the miracle worker.  But the list of friends for Paul, the prisoner, was considerably shorter.  Many wanted to be associated with Paul, the great preacher.  But supporters for Paul, the jailbird, were much harder to find.

Thank God for disciples like Onesiphorus!  The body of Christ needs more servants just like him.  Disciples who don’t shy away from the struggles of others.  Disciples who don’t run when troubles come.  Disciples who provide refreshment for parched souls.  How about it?  Do you know someone who needs an Onesiphorus right now? Paul had a handful of true friends like Onesiphorus that he could trust to be there through thick and thin.  Onesiphorus wasn’t afraid of associating with Paul at his lowest point.  He searched for his friend even when the trail led through prison doors.  He was an oasis of refreshment when Paul needed it most.

God loves you!

Mike