In Touch - April 27, 2005

Wednesday April 27, 2005

Why We’re Sifted

Luke 22:31-61

 

In this passage, Jesus tells Peter that Satan had demanded permission to sift the disciples like wheat. It seems strange to think that the Enemy would discuss people on earth with God, but obviously, this is a reality—even Job was frequently discussed in the spiritual realm. (Job 1:9) Here’s a question to consider: Do you suppose that you are ever discussed? We may think we aren’t important enough, but if we knew our true potential, we’d realize how much we are talked about in the spiritual realm.

 

We expect temptations in our weakest areas, but some of Satan’s most vicious attacks are in areas we feel are the strongest. We let down our guard because we feel confident of our strength, and the Enemy moves in. Peter was quick to boast of his courage and extreme loyalty to Jesus, and yet he failed in this very area when he denied even knowing Jesus. Satan often targets Christians and churches with the greatest potential because he’s terrified of believers who understand the Holy Spirit’s truth.

 

Wheat was sifted through vigorous shaking that separated the chaff from the wheat kernel. When we’re sifted, everything on the surface gets stripped away. Satan hopes to shake our faith loose from its foundation and bring us to the point where we’ll want to give up on God’s love and go our own way. If our faith withers, our threat to the Enemy diminishes. On the other hand, God uses this sifting process to purify our faith by revealing our hearts to us and giving us the opportunity to receive His grace.

 

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