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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.

Years ago, while studying Philemon with a mentor, I learned that the name “Onesimus” means “useful.” Since then, my ongoing plea has been that the Lord would grant that I might be onesimus to Him.

What followed was not an immediate call to serve in a greater capacity. It was Real Life, a daily battle to fight for joy amid heart-wrenching grief and humanly unsolvable issues. I know I am not alone in that.

In those seasons, I have been taught the priceless value of digging trenches in prayer for myself and those I love. Prayer is the most I can do, not the least.

Though I expect no less from an awesome God, I still stand in awe and overwhelming gratefulness as He fills those trenches with steadfast love, compassion, and faithfulness new every morning. He 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, sharing all I have been taught out of the overflow of His love in the trenches.

For decades, I have endeavored to know God better by digging deep in His Word and pursuing Him relentlessly through the mountains and deserts of life. My desire has been to have all there is to have of Him in this world.

May what He has taught me enable me to be useful to you, and to Him.

Humbly, in service,

Shelley Goforth

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