Epaphroditus ---- the ministry UPS guy

Don't we all love getting stuff in the mail!  Now with Amazon and eBay, things are always dropped off on our porch --- cat food, books, supplies, and things I'm saving for Christmas presents.  The act of delivering a product from one place to another is an amazing job involving thousands of mail workers, trucks, post offices, and time. To us it almost seems effortless.
In Philippians, Paul is writing to the church of Philippi while in prison.  He has no freedom and is at the mercy of others to supply him with common necessities.  Epaphroditus, a helper of Paul, makes the journey from Philippi to Rome to deliver mail and other things to Paul.  Philippians  mentions him twice; in fact he almost died on the trip to Rome, but God chose to heal him.
Paul uses many endearing terms to describe this man: a brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier.  This man was faithful even unto his own  physical peril.  Epaphroditus was the link between Paul and the church that needed his leadership.  In a world with no planes or internet, God used Epaphroditus as an ancient UPS guy who made the difficult journey for God's glory.
Paul says in 4:18, "I have received full payment and have more than enough.  I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. "  Then Paul adds, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (vs.19)
This commonly-quoted verse can bring up thoughts of miracles dropping down from heaven....that God will supply our needs in supernatural ways.  God does do that, but in this instance, he used a common man's journey:  Epaphroditus.  I find that most of the God's meeting our needs comes through humble human means --- someone answering God's call to serve another.
I am inspired by Epaphroditus, especially as I am linked to dozens of Christians in prison through the little stamp.  I want to be called a sister, co-worker and fellow soldier for Christ.  Lord, help me (help us all) to have the spirit of Epaphroditus, to do the hard unseen tasks that impact Your church. Amen.

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