“Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” Paul was compelled to leave behind one of his traveling companions because of sickness. This faithful friend was, no doubt, of great help to the Apostle in his missionary journeys. What a set-back this must have been for both Paul and Trophimus. Nevertheless, Paul went on, and his co-worker stayed behind. In spite of the disappointment to both, there was no complaining to God or blaming Him. Their motto was always, “The will of the Lord be done.”
We are told of the remarkable healing powers entrusted to Paul, but neither he nor his sick friend had faith to claim healing. It is written “God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul,” but it was not so in this case. Why? Simply because it was not in God’s plan. Contrary to the teaching of some today, it is not always God’s will to heal or deliver. Paul’s eye problem stayed with him till death; and young Timothy had stomach problems all his life.
Our gifts, powers, and possibilities are subject to the limitations of God’s perfect will. Our prayer should always be, “In sickness and in health, the will of God be done.”Set-backs can’t keep back a person who does not hold back his life from God.
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