We Are Not Trapped, We Are Protected by Becca Parrott

Have you ever felt trapped or cornered by something you knew God was asking you to do—or not to do? As you pray about your response, you may also feel hemmed in by some of the boundaries God has placed in your life, whether through His Word or the Holy Spirit.

For me, this became evident one day. Our family has lived in our home for about 15 years. Around 10–12 years ago, a feral cat found our yard but was terrified of us. Over time (and after we got a kitten of our own who played with this cat), she slowly approached our garage and even stayed there on cold nights. Countless times, my presence alone would cause her to flee. She left her source of guaranteed food, warmth, and security because of fear—ironically, fear of the one person who cared for her the most. One day, as I was getting onto her, I gently heard the Lord whisper, “She is like you and my people.” It made me stop in my tracks.

How often do we push back against the boundaries the Lord places in our lives to keep us safe and secure? How often is His “no” not to deprive us, but to keep us close to the Holy Spirit and to Jesus? God’s Word isn’t simply a “to-do or not-to-do” manual—it’s the story of His relationship with His Son and with mankind. As the One who cares for us most, He provides wise direction—guiding us in ways to grow in our faith and in things to avoid.

Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 10:23–24:
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

A few verses later, in verse 31, he continues:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Food and drink are mentioned because the Jewish people believed certain practices benefitted their relationship with the Lord. The struggle regarding food and drink among the first generation of believers likely prompted Paul to write this passage. But we can learn from it, too.

In our modern-day culture, the cry is often: “I have the right to do what I want. It’s my body; it’s my story. Don’t tell me what I can and cannot do.” Yet as followers of Jesus, we must remember that God calls us to an intimate relationship with Him.

The very thing that makes us feel trapped may actually be God’s way of protecting us—keeping us fed, warm, and secure. Next time we feel boxed in by the Lord, let’s pause and remember: He truly desires the best for us, and His boundaries ultimately give us greater freedom in life.

Guest Contributor: Becca Parrott