Sifted Like Wheat
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
"So give yourselves humbly to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," Ephesians 6:11-18
"If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:7
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56:3
Most of us know very little of how things work in the spiritual realm.
In this passage of Scripture we see that Jesus is warning Simon Peter of what is to come. Still, Peter will have none of it and questions, even challenges His Savior.
Isn't that just like us?
The verses just preceding Jesus' warning to Peter are the ultimate joy and blessing to the disciples. Jesus tells them in Luke 22:28-30, "You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
We fail to see with our physical eyes the spiritual kingdoms, principalities, and powers that exist, but if we will look with spiritual eyes, they are clearly there.
Perhaps you know that all too well and you are being sifted like wheat. Or, perhaps you know a brother or sister following Jesus who is facing just such a test right now. We must pray for our Christian brothers and sisters as Jesus did, that their faith would not fail. That they would stand strong under the fiery darts of the evil one. May we fight evil with the promises of Scripture. They are promises we know to be true.
I have prayed that your faith would not fail. Won't you join me in this prayer?
Goodnight, Runners.
Comments