May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesephorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me...

2 Timothy 1:16-17

Paul was awaiting execution. Alexander had strongly opposed his message (2 Timothy 4:14).Hymenaeus and Philetus were teaching false doctine. The Asian brethren had all turned from him, even Phygelus and Hermogenes (2 Timothy 1:15). All of his friends had deserted him at his first defense (2 Timothy 4:16). Even Demas had forsaken him (2 Timothy4:10). 

But then Onesephorus came to see him! What a big difference he made to Paul. The pressure and lonliness and stress of everything that had happened to Paul was getting to him. That's why he describes the service of Onesephorus as refreshing. 

The Greek word translated "refreshed" here means, "to cool again, to cool off, recover from the effects of heat; to refresh (one's spirit); to recover breath, take the air, cool off, revive, refresh one's self." (Strong's) Onesephorus' presence was refreshing to Paul's soul, like a large glass of ice cold water on a hot, sweltering summer day.

Do you know someone going through a hard time? God can use you just like he used Onesephorus. You can offer a cup of cold water simply by picking up the phone and calling, writing a short note, or visiting them. 

Sometimes people like Paul are hard to find. Onesephorus searched him out earnestly. Many suffer in silence. They don't complain. They don't let anyone know they're hurting. We have to go to them. That makes our service even more meaningful.

Father God, you are faithful to sustain those who are weak. Use us to encourage and to refresh those who are hurting.