TITLE: SATAN WILL BE ALLOWED TO SIFT YOU, DON’T LET YOUR FAITH FAIL YOU

TITLE: SATAN WILL BE ALLOWED TO SIFT YOU, DON’T LET YOUR FAITH FAIL YOU

SCRIPTURE:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31—32 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

         This statement by Jesus clarifies the spiritual world we do not often consider.  Jesus told Peter, Simon, Simon, Satan has ASKED to sift all of you as wheat.  All of the disciples will be affected by this request by Satan.  I am not sure how many believers are aware that Satan is seeking and requesting permission to harass them. 

         Since Jesus has a plan for our lives, how much more accurate is that Satan, too, has a plan for our lives? We, as believers, only sometimes think about the spiritual warfare we face daily.  There is a battle daily in our lives.  Satan asked to sift all the disciples, and like wheat, we should open our eyes to the boldness of his plans for us.  So many, when they read this passage, only focus on Peter’s downfall, but in reality, it wasn’t just about Peter but about ALL of the disciples. 

         I am sifted to go through a process of examining something thoroughly to isolate what is most important and valuable.  Satan asked to sift all disciples to see where they stood with the truth that Jesus had been teaching them.  They will be sifted of their trust in Jesus.  Their own needs and resources will sift them.  They will be sifted, isolated, and thoroughly examined for their faith and loyalty to Christ. 

         But Jesus said, I HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.  Jesus countered Satan’s request with a prayer for Simon.  Our faith must not fail when we know Jesus is praying for us.  Jesus assured Peter of his prayers for him.  He also told Peter, when you turned back, indicating that he will turn back.  NOT IF you turn back, but when you turn back, strengthen your brothers. 

         The battle is real. We will be allowed to be sifted, and most of the time, it’s not just for us. Through us, others who may be struggling will find faith and strength through how we overcome what is sifting us. Whenever we face a sifting challenge, remember that Jesus is praying for us. Others may not know that you are going through a sifting time, but Jesus does. Jesus sees you when others have no clue. 

When no one prays for you, Jesus’s prayer is all you need to remember. The Holy Spirit is praying for you as well.  And most important of all, more significant is he that is in you than Satan, who is in the world.  When you go through a sifting moment, Jesus said, he is praying, and you will not fail in your faith because His prayers will help you prevail.

APPLICATION:

         I am grateful for this reminder. I will continue to trust in Jesus’ prayers for me daily. I know that he is covering me daily. I also know that he will allow Satan’s plans against me for his purpose. I will trust in Jesus daily to cover me and pray for me. 

PRAYER:

         Heavenly Father, I am grateful for this reminder of the warfare we face daily but do not see.  Thank you for covering me and all your children from Satan’s harassment.  I pray that you continue to cover me and strengthen my faith when I encounter the works of the enemy that seek to overwhelm me.  I am grateful for your protection and strength in moments of trials.  I trust my life into your hands.  In Jesus name, Amen!