Acts 14:19-20 NKJV

[19] Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. [20] However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And, the next day, he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul's mission was met with vicious backlash. He couldn't have known how his message would be received, but he understood the importance of the people he surrounded himself with. When he was left for dead, his "team" surrounded him, prayed over him, and helped to restore him. He wasn't left abandoned. He was loved and cared for by the people in his corner.

We can not control what the world throws at us. The best of intentions, even sharing the message of Jesus, can be met with anger and hatred. I don't expect everyone to share my passion for faith, but that doesn't keep me from finding ways to share it. God doesn't always call His people to quiet places. Sometimes, His message has to be delivered on the battlefield, but we aren't required to go alone.

The people we surround ourselves with matters. We can be led into darkness or brought to the light... depending on the company we choose to keep. I am blessed with some amazing people that I get to do life with. They know my struggles and love me anyway. They celebrate my victories with me. When I get knocked down, they pick me up and point me back to Christ.