Luke 22:31-32 (LSB) 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed earnestly for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, once you have returned, strengthen your brothers.”
Sift you like wheat.
Consider those three words. Ponder their depth, and try to comprehend what was being implied when Jesus spoke them.
The obvious implication here is that Satan would viciously attack each of the disciples, doing everything he possibly could to try to destroy their faith. And he did attack them; with fury.
But what was less obviously stated?
That Satan had demanded it.
Think about that statement and let’s consider what it really means.
Jesus said that Satan had demanded that he be able to sift them like wheat.
This should tell us much about God’s sovereignty. And it should speak volumes about the fact that nothing happens without God’s approval or permission.
Our lives are not random. We do not appear here by chance.
And the events we walk through in life are not coincidental. God’s fingerprints are all over them. Yes, even the trials that can sometimes feel like they will kill us.
Now, that may raise some eyebrows. But bear with me so we can be sure to understand this.
You see, God never promised that, as his children, we would live lives of luxury and easy comforts.
His word tells us that he chastises and disciplines those whom He loves. And that chastisement takes place in the form of trials and difficulties that refine us, as gold is refined in the fire.
Let’s look at this more closely tomorrow.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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