There is no doubt in my mind that we live in a world that is hostile to the things of God. There is also no doubt in my mind that God put us here for a reason and we need to fulfill His purpose for our lives in spite of the hostility that surrounds us.

Jesus was crucified because of the hostility that people felt towards Him. Their jealousy and short-sightedness led them to force our Savior to die a horrible death on the cross. But did He quit, slink away and hide and hope no one continued to bother him with their petty, ungodly beliefs? No! He stood for the truth, went courageously to the cross and carried out God’s plan for our salvation. If we just keep in mind all that Jesus endured, the hostility that we face won’t seem so insurmountable anymore.

I like the phrase in this verse that says, “you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.” We may be called to do so one day, to stand before the ungodly and defend out faith. And when that happens, may we be found worthy to glorify God even unto death. Yes, we are struggling against darkness, a sin that seems so prevalent that the world seems to have gone insane. But we are still called to stand for righteousness and truth, regardless of the consequences to us. Our hope is not in this world. Our hope lies in our ultimate salvation from the world and the eternal life that awaits us. Thus, we can continue to fight against the sin of the world and carry hope in our hearts.