The verses that come to mind are:The Problem
Ps 64:3,5 (NIV) They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows... They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see..?"1Pt 4:4 (NIV) They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.
Persevere
Ro 12:21 (NIV) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.The idea here is that while we must endure such, we should not be passive. If they assert their opinion, why not assert the truth?1Jo 4:4 (NIV) You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Often, our own pride keeps us from "overcoming" or being God's ambassadors. We don't want to spoil the party. On the other hand, if we are truly yielded to God, I have found that often we don't have to even say anything, people will just look at us and feel the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit.
You get the idea. Time to "overcome" with GOOD! Let us not be ashamed of the good, but assert it whenever we have the chance.
Shine
The place for a light is not in a hidden place, but where it is needed.
Mt 5:15-16 (NIV) "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."This is painful, but remember that Christ is YOUR leader. He went first. Imagine how the carnal conversations and unrighteousness of the culture struck His Holy nature? Yet He came down here, on assignment, just to be a light for a chosen few.Eph 5:14 (NIV) for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
1Pe 2:12,15 (NIV) Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us... For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Escape
God gives us assignments, but He also give us reprieve and freedom. The principle is to shine where we are put, to be a light to the Gentiles. We know in advance that most will reject the message, but this happened to Jesus as well. So let us not blame ourselves, if most people rejected the Perfect One, but just go on shining and being a convicting light.
Gal 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Jesus came down, to be sure, but this was not the end of the story. He came down, but now has ascended to glory. These are short-term assignments, even if for life 😊. More typically, they are short term from our perspective as well. God knows how much we can take, and rescues us from evil.
2Pt 2:7-9 (NIV) and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)--if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.Persevere, But Jump at the Chance For Freedom
1Cor 7:20,21 (NIV) Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you--although if you can gain your freedom, do so.In other words, shine where you are and submit to God's will (like Lot), but if you have an opportunity to escape... then don't think twice about taking it. God knows how to rescue, even if he takes longer than we would like at times to do it.I liken these sorts of situations to being like forays that we are sent on from the castle of the Lord. We dine in His courts, He trains us for war, we dwell in the safe place. But then we are sent out of the castle on assignment into the muck of the forest and mire of battle, to get beat within an inch of our lives. We know this: we can never die or really lose, even if we are physically killed, but God takes us right to the edge at times. Then, we get to run back into his castle to get our wounds bound and partake of the richest fare. All this, only to be sent right back after we are recovered.
Think about the above as concerns Christ when He was here. Is this not how He lived? He was attacked and grieved on all sides, even by--especially by--His own disciples. He could not have made it had He not escaped and retreated to "lonely places" to get reset and refilled by the Father.
The castle, the place of rest and reprieve, is the quiet time with Him or the corporate fellowship of believers. The war is in just the sorts of situations you are writing about. It is not all war--ours is not the ugly, incessant trench warfare of WW1. We can rest in Him in the secret place--each night, in our inner thoughts, through prayer and fellowship. Drink deeply of Him, and you will find He is sufficient for the day.
I hope this helps and encourages you in this difficult situation. Put aside all care for your reputation, and shine. Persevere and overcome evil with good--which takes faith! And remember, He was in a lousy grave for three days, but now He is in a very good place indeed. God can rescue us, as He did Lot, but often this comes later than we would like. Practically, take your assignment seriously but realize there is a time to retreat into Him through meditation on His word, prayer, etc. See this as an opportunity to shine and see your faith grow with the incredible saving power of Christ--in YOU!
