If you feel out of place in this world, the apostles are clear: that’s normal (1 Peter 2:10-12, Ephesians 2:19, Philippians 3:20). But if you wonder if God wants you here, Jesus answered that in the prayer he offered for his disciples.

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

John 17:15

The apostles got that too: Paul wanted to be “at home” with God and away from the pain and struggles of this world. But where we are needed and where we want to go don’t always line up.

Believe this: the Father will protect us from the Spiritual enemy, even as we face down physical struggles. God is not lacking in power or desire to save our souls, we only need to remain faithful.

Ethan Kirl