In the face of societal pressures, our calling as followers of Jesus is to resist the urge to conform and stand out as lights in a sometimes dark world. High school Kristi made a courageous decision—choosing not to engage with friends whose actions could lead her astray. It was an act of intentional resistance against societal pressures, bolstered by her allegiance to God. Her experience sheds light on the loneliness that can accompany such choices, underscoring that while following Jesus is the path to life, it is not without its own set of challenges.However, it is precisely in those moments of solitude that our faith is refined. By resisting the temptation to bow down to the idols of this age, we align ourselves with God’s purposes rather than the patterns of the world. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship Nebuchadnezzar's image, so too are we sometimes thrust into the 'fires' of life for standing firm in our faith.Yet, even as we resist, God's promise remains—He will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). The pressure to conform to societal norms may be great, but the God in whom we stand is greater. And when we choose to resist societal pressure in favor of godly obedience, we open ourselves to experience the full measure of God's provision and protection.