It is not a nice feeling to be trapped in a lift (when will I get out?); or to be trapped in a job you detest (when can I get a new job?). But, it is worse to be locked out of a job that you love, or excluded from a relationship that you yearn for. Being trapped in a job you really enjoy, is fine; so is the 'entrapment' of marriage to the person you love. It is not the loss of freedom which is the issue, but rather your attitude to the restriction. Depending on how you view it, you will either resent or delight in 'being trapped'.

The Apostle Paul was in prison because he was known to follow Jesus and preach His gospel. That good news announced forgiveness of sins and reconciliation between human beings and God, and also brings harmony between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 3:11-22). Paul felt a primary obligation to his own people, "… I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16). But some of the Jews were bitterly opposed to the gospel. Initially he was arrested for his own safety (Acts 21:30-36; Acts 23:9-10), but it pleased the religious leaders. Their collusion with the Gentile Roman authorities was reminiscent of the friendship between Herod and Pilate when Jesus was accused (Luke 23:12): it resulted in Paul's imprisonment in Rome.

Although other letters indicate that Paul would rather have been travelling as an evangelist and church planter, he was content with his circumstances. Why? Paul's attitude was shaped by that of Jesus (Philippians 2:5-13). Jesus had not been trapped, even though He was unfairly tried and wrongly crucified - He knew it was the Father's will. Likewise, Paul knew that he was in prison for the sake of Jesus (Acts 23:11) - the Holy Spirit had already prepared him (Acts 20:23) and so he was easy. More than that, he rejoiced in his sufferings (Romans 5:3). He knew that it was not the Jews or Romans that put him in prison, but Jesus who had put him there. And indeed so, for while in prison, unable to tour the churches with personal teaching, he wrote many of the letters that now form our New Testament. So, in a sense, he was there by the command of Jesus, for us – many of whom are Gentiles.

Our own reactions to difficulty at work or home may need to be checked by knowing that, although you may not have chosen your circumstances, the Lord is going to use you in them - if you let Him. More than that, we can and should rejoice in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If we belong to Christ, He has the right to deploy us wherever He chooses. Trusting that we are placed strategically by His appointment, we can be confident that He has a good reason for it. And often it has to do with conveying His truth to others. Resentment only leads to bitterness, and that is not a good basis on which to be a witness for Jesus. So give thanks for the circumstances which you are in (Ephesians 5:20), and trust the Lord to use you - in His way.