John 17

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one... Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. vv. 15-17

Read chapter 17
Have you ever prayed that you would die because living in this world is just too tough?  I've had those thoughts before when I just want to throw in the towel thinking I'd be better off dead.  But this verse encourages me in those thoughts and times, that Jesus doesn't want His followers taken out of the evil world but instead to protect them from the evil one while in this fallen world.  That is what we need from God while we live among wickedness- protection.  Do you desire to leave the world?  Have you asked God for protection from the evil that is causing those thoughts?  The Lord wanted the disciples right where they were knowing they'd face persecutions and difficult situations, maybe He does for you too right now?
Verse seventeen is one of my favorites.  It is the answer to Pilate's question in John 18:38, "What is truth?"  God's word is truth.  The more we know the Word, the Bible, the more we know truth.  Truth sanctifies a person.  Sanctify means to set apart.  Jesus is asking that His disciples would be set apart from the world by His truth.  Do you know what is truth?