“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” Luke 22:31-32
Jesus spoke these words to Simon Peter just before he was arrested and Peter denied he knew him. Our Lord knew what was going to happen and how Peter would react. Did Peter’s faith fail? I don’t think so. It certainly took a nose dive, but Peter stayed in that Upper Room and when the women told him Jesus was not in the tomb, he was the first to run and see. Even though he didn’t quite get it, a seed of faith still burned in his heart and he eventually became one of the greatest spreaders of the Good News.
Perhaps you feel as if you are being sifted by Satan. If so, know that Jesus is praying for you today that you may not lose faith. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can, when applied with God’s grace, become powerful. Never doubt that you are loved, you are prayed over and that all will work out for good. Whatever you go through, whatever you do, there is a God who loves you, is ready to forgive you and wants to strengthen you. Just as He did with Peter, and does with me and every other of His children who has lived in this world.
And that is the beauty of it. Once we have been sifted, and our faith has endured, we can turn and reach out to our brothers and sisters and encourage their faith. Just as Peter did, just as Jesus knew he would.
Who can you encourage today?
“And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32
