John 17:14–18 I have given them your word, but the world hates them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world… I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one… As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
Jesus didn't ask the Father to take us out of the world, but sent us into it to be witnesses. This reminds me that faith is not about escaping, but about living in reality with truth. Worldly values may reject Christ, but God's word enables me to stand firm. When facing pressure, temptation, or misunderstanding, I must remember that I am not alone, cast into the world, but sent, with a mission, and protected by God Himself.
Lord Jesus, thank you for sending me into this world and for promising to keep me from the evil one. I ask that you grant me not to belong to the world, but that I may live out your truth and love within it. May your word be my shield in the face of attack, misunderstanding, or temptation. I ask the Holy Spirit to renew me daily, that I may enter into the world with the life of the cross, becoming light and salt. Lord, you sent me and equip me. Amen.