Steadfast in Christ

S: John 17:15-21

¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 

O: This is Jesus’ prayer for His disciples — and for us. He says clearly, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” That’s us!

Notice what He prays for: not that we’d be taken out of this broken, hostile world, but that we’d be protected from the evil one while still remaining in it.

Earlier, Jesus had already told them, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

The Christian life is not an escape from trouble. Instead, it's a call to remain steadfast — rooted in Christ, sanctified by His truth, sent into the world with purpose, and protected by His power.

A: I've often heard this from persecuted Christians: “Don’t pray that persecution will stop. Pray that we will remain strong through it.”

Here in Malaysia, we may not face the same level of persecution — but we still face trials, challenges, and discouragements. Sometimes God removes the problem. But often, He strengthens us to endure it.

Whatever we face, we hold onto this truth: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13

To be steadfast in Christ is not about having a smooth life, but about having a strong faith.

P: Father, help me to see my struggles through your eternal perspective. Keep me from discouragement. Strengthen me to stand firm in Christ, whether or not my circumstances change. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Note: the ideas are mine, but I did get ChatGPT to improve the writing.