Paul is able to rejoice in the most difficult circumstances. He’s a great example for us: He is certain that God’s purposes for the world will win out nevertheless and despite these trials (the Gospel is preached in and outside the prison); He recognizes that God’s purposes for his own life will win out through these trials (God is using them to deepen Paul’s experience of salvation); and He has one singular focus: ‘to live is Christ’. So career, family, relationships whilst important, if threatened, will not derail him. When we follow him in establishing our lives on these three foundations, we can live in peace and with joy even in the toughest of times.
By Ed Flint