Life giving water sources always have an incoming source and an outgoing flow. If either one of these stops, life stops. The same is true in our own lives and ministry.
Each of us in ministry need to be refreshed on a continual basis. Without refreshment, our well will ultimately run dry. On the other hand, we are called to be the source of refreshment to others. They depend on us for encouragement and help. Without our encouragement, they will fail. There is a giving and receiving side to refreshment; we need both to experience true Life in Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul's had the ability to encourage and refresh others in ministry. Paul was able to do so because there were men in his life who encouraged and refreshed him. One of these men is a man rarely spoken of; His name is Onesiphorus. who devoted himself to encouraging and refreshing Paul during his darkest hours.
When Paul was locked down in Rome, It was Onesiphorus who turned Rome upside down until he found him and encouraged him.
2 Timothy 1:17 KJV But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
This is how great churches are built, by people who are willing to shoulder the responsibility and do the work of the ministry of refreshment. Great churches don't just happen, they are populated by men and women who have great-hearts and are inclined to help somebody with their chain.
Responsibility rings out of that passage of Scripture. He sought me out very diligently. He searched hard.
. This means traveling the high, stormy seas from Asia to Italy.
· This means putting life on hold for an extended period of time.
· This means leaving the warmth of family and the camaraderie of friends.
· This means getting there at your own expense to do the will of God.
This kind of devotion will knit the hearts of people in a church together.
Paul was successful because he recognized the importance of the ministry of refreshment.
Paul was successful because he recognized the importance of the ministry of refreshment.
There was always an incoming source and an outgoing flow of this ministry in his life.
Onesiphorus was a noble-minded and strong-hearted man who had determined to give himself to the ministry of refreshment.
Source of article: James Smith
Other Resources on Refreshing
Refreshing the Saints - by Mark Kolchin
The Ministry of Refreshing - by David Wilkerson
Resources on Spiritual Gifts
Using your Spiritual Gifts - by Ron Ovitt
