Right before Jesus prophesied Peter’s denial He said, “Peter, my dear friend, listen to what I’m about to tell you. Satan has obtained permission to come and sift you all like wheat and test your faith.” (Luke 22:31) The enemy wanted to crush Peter and the rest of the disciples. He wanted to agitate, devour, drain, and try them to the uttermost. His aim was for them to lose their faith because the truth is without faith it’s impossible to please God. The enemy’s plan has not changed for God's people. He desires to sift us as wheat and demolish our faith.
We have an enemy and the Bible tells us that he is a thief and all he endeavors to do is steal, slaughter, and destroy. (John 10:10) He is a relentless accuser, a known liar, master deceiver, tenacious tempter, brutal assailant; the source and initiator of evil. I am by no means magnifying his power but we are not to be ignorant of his devices. He works hard at trying the faith of the believer by ambushing our lives with various trials that disturb, destroy, distress, depress and deplete our faith. He aims to rend us powerless, faithless, unworthy, condemned and defeated. He assaults our minds, agitates our peace, and disrupts our joy by any means necessary.
Jesus told His disciples that on earth they will have many trials and sorrows. (John 16:33)
Jesus also assured Peter and this holds true for us today, “But I have prayed for you, that you would stay faithful to Me no matter what comes.” (Luke 22:32) We can take heart because Jesus, our High Priest lives to intercede for us, empowering us with faith and fortitude so that no matter what comes our way our faith will not fail. Think about it. Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords is praying for us! The One who conquered death! Sure, the enemy may know our tender spots. You know the same things, people, or circumstances that he knows will cause us to be shaken, moved and cause our faith to seep and falter. But who is like the Lord? The LORD strong and mighty! The LORD mighty in battle!
Notice that when Jesus spoke to Peter, He didn’t say that He would remove the trial but that He would pray that Peter’s faith would not fail. Reflect on this for just a moment. If all of our trials were removed how would we grow? How would we know breakthrough without a situation to breath through? How can we call Him faithful if we were never in a situation for Him to reveal Himself like only He can as being unwaveringly trustworthy?
No matter what you are going through you will come out and you will come out stronger and more faith-FULL! God has not abandoned you in battle. Quiet your heart for just a moment as you ponder the very nature and attributes of our Father, Provider, Protector, Healer, Refuge, Redeemer, Comforter, Nurturer, Counselor, Strengthener, Deliverer, Rescuer, the Lord of Heaven's Army! Sing with me, Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness, our God that is WHO YOU ARE!! Hallelujah!
Jesus came that you all you hold dear may have life and life more abundantly! Keep your eyes situated on Him! Pray strategically and earnestly! The King's ear is always open and He is always moving on our behalf! He is moving in the hearts of our children. He's moving in our families. He is moving by His mighty power, giving us new strength and restoring us! Be courageous and consistent in your faith!
Let every day, every thought, every decision, every prayer, every hope, center on Him and mirror the first four words of God’s Holy Word, “In the beginning God.” (Genesis 11a) Everything must begin with God. Our Father who is in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all things shall be added to you. Submit to God, resist the enemy and he will flee. Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand sure-footed against all the strategies of the enemy. God Almighty (El Shaddai) is the Beginning and He is the End! Victory to victory! Glory to glory!
May your peace be still, your joy be full, and your faith be unshakeable! If and when you feel like giving up JUST KEEP GOING!!!
Holding you near in my heart and in my prayers. Agreeing with you for your victory in Christ Jesus!
Love and prayers
Shannon
