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