God Prays for You.
The most loving gesture we can offer to another person is intercessory prayer, and it's comforting to know that Jesus, too, intercedes for us, securing our salvation through His perfect prayers based on His perfect sacrifice.
Following the raising of Lazarus, Jesus entered the Passover. In John 13, He is seen in the upper room, preparing His disciples for His impending death. While John 13 highlights the sacredness of foot washing and predicts His betrayal, it leaves out one of my favorite glimpses of Jesus as our advocate—a God who prays that the faith of His disciples may not fail.
Fortunately, what John overlooked, Luke 22, brought to light.
During Luke's account of the Last Supper, a dispute arose among the disciples about greatness. Jesus would have shared the reassuring promise that they would have a place at His table in His kingdom, sparking an enthusiastic argument about who would be the greatest. Disregarding this, Jesus singled out Peter, cautioning him that Satan desired to sift him 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 brethren."
The gravity of this message was so apparent that Jesus mentioned Peter's name twice to capture his attention – "Simon, Simon." You can recall when Jesus called Saul, He also said his name twice to get his attention – "Saul, Saul, why have you persecuted me."
Don't miss that Jesus also avoids using Peter's name of refinement or reformation, the one associated with being the church's foundation. Instead, He addresses him by his pre-discipleship name, "Simon," speaking directly to his humanity and vulnerability—the unrefined aspect the enemy could exploit.
"…Satan demanded to have you …"
Can you appreciate the weight behind the term 'demand'? The only other instance where we find this word is in the story of Job, where Satan made a similar request to God. Despite Satan's formidable power, he had to seek God's permission to act upon His disciples. This highlights God's ultimate authority and power, as He holds the final say in all matters.
Notice also that Jesus used the term 'you.' The Greek translation suggests that this 'you' is plural, indicating that Jesus referred to Satan's demand to sift all the disciples, not just Peter.
"…he might sift you like wheat…"
What does "sifting like wheat" refer to in real life?
In the Bible, "sifting" symbolized separating wheat from its inedible chaff.
Within context, Satan's goal was to sift Simon and the other disciples like wheat, attempting to make their faith crumble. It implied exposing them to tumultuous experiences until they are torn, weak, and desperate enough to let go of their faith. Sifting involved using any means necessary to loosen their faith from its foundation, guiding them away from God.
Unfortunately, what Satan did back then, he still does today.
He still seeks to sift and destroy our faith.
Life challenges, losses, isolation, and strained relationships can shake our faith.
When we undergo the blow of a sudden or devastating diagnosis, that's sifting.
When we lose a loved one, and our grieving hearts struggle to make sense of the deep pain, that's sifting.
When anxiety, fear, and turmoil take their toll, relentlessly battering against our faith, that's sifting.
When it seems like we're experiencing one disappointment after another disappointment, that's sifting.
Interestingly, in His love, God permits the 'sifting' because in the end, as harrowing as it feels, it brings glory to Him, eliminates what is unnecessary in our lives, and brings about goodness for His kingdom. It's akin to a refining process.
"…but I have prayed that your faith may not fail…"
Thankfully, just as Jesus asked God to take necessary steps to protect Peter, He also prays that our faith will endure and not fail.
That is our advocate.
He stands in our place when we cannot speak for ourselves.
He prays for us when we are too overwhelmed or beaten down to pray for ourselves.
He intercedes for us even when it feels like our faith is breaking.
His prayers for us are constant, and they are perfect.
I believe that Satan has sought permission from God to sift us like wheat, especially now on our current 30-day challenge. He has demanded of God to shake us now that we have dedicated this entire month to sacrificing to be in God’s presence.
Sifting may look like the unraveling of a relationship, causing you to question God's protection of what He entrusted to you.
It could also appear as an unexpected family emergency, demanding your mental and physical attention, shaking the faith you've committed to strengthen in this challenge.
Sifting may take the form of the resurgence of dark and overwhelming thoughts from a previous season, returning with full force and breaking you down completely.
No matter how Satan tries to shake you, Jesus is praying that your faith will not fail.
Remember, you cannot be snatched from God's hand, no matter the sifting.
You are not falling back into a Christless past.
The work God has done in you up to this point still stands.
Your testimony is protected.
You will not break.
Your faith will be strengthened.
Sleep well, knowing that just as He did for Peter and His disciples, He will do for you.
Even now, His strength is made perfect in your weakness.
Reflection Scripture
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" 2 Corinthians 12:9.
“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” Luke 22: 32.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4: 12, 13.
- Dentrecia