“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
In the context of this chapter, Peter was ready to go to prison or die for the Lord. He was known for being zealous, but didn’t always think through what he was going to say before saying it. He was the apostle with the shoe-shaped mouth.
This passage could open discussion about having discretion with our words, the motivation behind our words, or the specifics of what Peter said, but allow me to point your attention to what Jesus said to Peter.
The devil wants to sift you (strain, separate, put to one side).
The devil, who is the accuser of the brethren, the author of confusion, and the lion that wants to devour, is always trying to destroy and distract God’s children. God constantly tells us to stay vigilant, to stand, to not give place to the devil, and to run to Him as our refuge. The devil presents us with many temptations, but never good intentions. Knowing the devil wants to sift you should not make you afraid, but it should cause you to depend more upon God. God called you, and only God can keep you. Many Christians have become casualties of the spiritual war, but you do not have to be one of them. This is not to judge them, rather to be aware and take heed lest you fall as well.
You have a mediator.
Through Jesus Christ you have direct access to God. At any time, you can ask for His help. God even commands to take your cares to Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). You do not have to carry your burdens alone or try to fight this battle alone. Remember that God is for you, and no one is greater, stronger, and wiser than God. You are not alone, fellow labor. Your enemy is not those that oppose you, the culture you are different from, or the discouragement from within. The devil is against you, but God is for you. If God is for you, no one can stand against you!
Don’t quit.
The Lord told Peter that He prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. The race a Christian runs causes weariness and discouragement, but look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1). Faith is believing in what you cannot see (Hebrews 11:1–3). You can believe in the promises of God because He always follows through on what He says. When there are dark days, sing to yourself. Sing out loud to keep your faith strong. Reach out to those that God has placed in your path to keep strong faith. Pray for God’s patience, mercy, and determination. You may get down, but you do not have to quit. Continue forward, fellow labor!
When you return.
Sooner or later, the storm will pass. Problems do not come to stay, they come to pass. Hold on tight to God, to His promises, and to His calling upon your life. You will get through. And when you do get through, remember God has a purpose. God told Peter to strengthen the brethren. Your trial was for a reason. Yes, you will learn that God comforted you, but the goal is to then comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Go find and encourage others that are going through trials. Determine to make it through your trial, and then let your trial make you stronger and better equipped for the Lord’s use.