John 17:11-19

   God sent Jesus to the world to show what God is really like, a God of love. God gave Jesus the disciples to learn from Jesus and to continue to spread His Word after Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus offered joy to His disciples for following Him. He also warned them that, by following Him, they would be different from others and would experience hatred. “And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” John 17:11
   Jesus prayed for His disciples. He did not pray that they would escape trials and tribulations. He prayed that they would have the wisdom and sensibility to survive the rough and tumble life that spreading the Word of God would create. He prayed for unity. His gospel cannot be preached and accepted in congregations that are divided or competing with other congregations. Jesus prayed that God would protect His disciples from evil. God gives us the strength and ability to carry out His will for us.

How can you continue in God’s service in competition with today’s evil?