By Peggy Still—
Paul used the word perhaps in two of his writings. In Philemon 1:15 writes, “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good.” It was out of character for him since he was definite in most of what he had to say. He would typically use phrases such as, “I am persuaded;” and “We know.”
Paul speculates here on Philemon’s distress. Philemon faced a painful situation: he lost a trusted friend who stole from him. He was angry, but Paul suggested that maybe this had happened for a reason. Paul further conjectures that perhaps something good could come of the situation.
Perhaps we should practice this kind of thinking. To grapple with so-called disappointments in life this verse suggests a biblical way of useful thinking.
1. There is purpose for all that happens to us on our appointed journey. There are no accidents, no good or bad luck, no chance misfortunes. Psalm 138:8 says, “In times of trouble, the Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.”
2. We don’t always know the reason at the time. This is the significance of the word perhaps that Paul chose in his reasoning. Job asked the question, “Why?” over and over again. It is natural that we ask it too. Erwin Lutzer wrote, “God always acts from the standpoint of eternity rather than time, and all decisions are made with an infinite purpose.” We live in the context of our own time and limitations so we don’t always come to full understanding.
3. It’s alright to engage in speculation for a reasonable purpose. When we face disappointment we can become an emotional wreck and give up; or we can begin to reason our way out of despair. One way out is to think on the possible good that can come to pass and what God can accomplish through the disappointment or tragedy.
“Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in a better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand.
The tragedy of Christ’s suffering is where God demonstrates His love for us. Perhaps there are others that would give their life for us, but we know that while we are yet sinners, and while we struggle with understanding the complexities of His will, we know with certainty that is why Christ died.
Hymn by Maxwell Cornelius, 1891
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