“And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22:31, 32)
This conversation between our Lord and Peter is just before the Cross. Jesus warns him and encourages him in the same time. ‘Satan has asked for you…’ Satan, the accuser of the brethren has asked for permission to ‘sift’ Peter. Interestingly, that permission was granted by God. The word ‘asked’ is a strong word meaning ‘insisting, demanding to come for trial’. This reminds us that the devil is a personality and not just an ‘evil influence’. To sift it means to violently shake something with the intent to separate the components. In particular, sifting wheat means to shake the grains until both chaff and impurities go away and only the good grain remains. The purpose of the devil’s sifting is to separate you from your shield of faith! A soldier without a gun is useless in the battle field! No matter what trial you pass thru, do not drop your faith! Do not think of backsliding! Holding on your faith is your victory!
At the Cross, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and the Desired of the Nations, completely destroyed the power of the devil. No man can stop the process of ‘sifting’ except our Lord Jesus Christ and His intercession. This is the promise of our eternal High Priest, that during all trials His prayer shall sustain us and His grace shall be sufficient to carry on. ‘I have prayed for you…” Say it to yourself: “Jesus Christ prays for me, right now!”
The devil wants to destroy your faith but Jesus says that your faith shall not fail. The devil wants you to backslide but Jesus says that no one of His sheep shall be lost. The devil wants to destroy the unity of the Spirit in the Church and in your marriage. But the end of such a trial of fire is joyful strength that shall be a testimony of encouragement to the other brethren. I encourage you to look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith! Kings and kingdoms shall pass away, but there is something about Your name…JESUS… The road may have been long and difficult but your future is better than your past! The glory of Christ shall be revealed to the nations! The hearts of men shall be purified and they shall see the Lord! The weeping shall be replaced with rejoicing! The weak shall be strong and the poor shall be rich! There is a turning of the tables! The praises shall increase! The church shall be stronger! Your marriage shall be sweeter! Great shall be your children’ peace! May Christ glorify Himself in your life today!
Green Pastures 