VERSE:
(Jesus speaking to Peter) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 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
THOUGHT:
What better pattern of prayer to follow than that of the master. Satan wanted to sift Simon Peter like wheat, and Jesus didn’t say “but I prayed against it. I rebuked and cast down anything that would make you feel uncomfortable so that you can float around in life without ever having to go through anything.” No. He said “I prayed for you, that your FAITH MAY NOT FAIL”. Jesus’ priorities are not focused on our circumstances, but our heart in the midst of circumstances. Who, or what, will you rely on when you go through the sifter? Your faith must be in the anchor – Jesus Christ. Storms come to pass, and if we focus on the torrents and the rain, our focus is pulled off of the lifesaver, and we will drown.
APPLICATION:
If you are going through something, rather than asking God to change the circumstance, ask Him to use the opportunity to change you into His likeness. If it’s financial strain, pray that God gives you great wisdom so that you can learn to use His money correctly. If it’s marital problems, ask that God would help you to love unconditionally: laying your life down for your wife, or submitting fully to your husband despite their behavior. After you persevere through the trial, Jesus says “strengthen your brothers”. Use the strength that God has given you through the trials to strengthen those who are going through like situations.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I thank you that even though Satan wishes to sift me like wheat, you intercede for me and strengthen me so that my faith will not fail. I thank you that no weapon forged against me shall prosper, and that all things are working out for my good because I love you and am called according to your purpose. I thank you that you are for me, therefore no one and nothing can be against me. I pray that you would remind me to rely on you in all things, so that I can strengthen my brothers with the strength you have given me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!