“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” John 17:15

Arise

We are in this world. This corrupt, hurtful, hard, sinful world. This world that has caused our journeys to not be smooth at times. This world that loves sin, and glorifies bad decision making—we are in it. And yet, as awful as this world can be, we are right where Jesus wants us to be.

Jesus didn’t pray that we be hidden, that we be removed, that we be in a bubble. He prayed that while we are in this world we would be protected. We are protected from the evil one by knowing what sin is, what unholiness is, what tricks the evil one is up to. We are protected from the evil one by knowing he’s in this world right now. Our eyes are open to it all and because of that we can see clearly and make choices that line up with God’s truth, with God’s kingdom mindset, with God’s heart for us and for this world.

We are in this world. We are in the battle that is going on in this world, and we are not blind to it nor are we helpless. God’s Word directs our steps through this world, so we don’t fall prey to the evil one.

Jesus wants us in this world so we can show the world His truth, His love, His way.

Are you reflecting Jesus to this world—or do you blend in and are mistaken for the world? Are you fighting the good figh—or have you given up, giving in to this world?

Arise, o’soldier, and get back in the fight.

Jesus wants you here. Right here. Right now. To be His hands and feet. You have been given eyes to see the evil of this world and you’ve been given the truth of how to overcome him, to help people, to love people, to bring joy, to showcase God.

Overcome evil with good. Overcome darkness with light. Overcome sin with holiness.

Remember, you have been prayed for to be protected from the evil by the One who can overcome him! Take heart, the King of kings is on your side, praying for you, guiding you, loving you, fighting with you and for you. You are an overcomer.

Lord, may we never forget that You are on our side—that no matter how hard life gets, that we know the truth, we know YOUR truth. Give us hearts that burn for Your truth so we may see the evil of this world and not fall prey to it. We love and serve You, Lord, not this world. Where we’ve gone astray, forgive us and bring us back to Your way. Let us rise up to battle the evil one, knowing we are protected by You our Savior and victor over the evil one. Amen.