LUKE 22:31-32
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“Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren. ”
HE HAS PRAYED FOR YOU
It’s not the most comforting thing to realize that Satan is dedicated to shutting us down as Christians. Now that he has lost us to the love of God, there is only one thing that the old devil can seek to do to you. He’s not about to let you be used by the Lord so his efforts are to spiritually harm you. He may seek to do this through weaknesses; things that linger from the days before you knew Christ, your B.C. days. He may try to resurrect your temper, tempt you with lustful, desirous thoughts, or depression and loneliness. Whatever may have been your “Achilles” heel in life, he will try to use it against you, over and over. If Satan can get you feeling down and defeated, then he has taken out your ability to be a threat against him.
Yes, you’re saved and are going to heaven, but as long as you’re not excited about the Lord and not walking in victory, then that is wonderful to the enemy. You’re no longer a hazard to him. Your light is dim and you’ve become one who is not a witness to others. In a sense, Satan begins to win a battle in the midst of the war.
This is a common tactic used against believers in Jesus Christ. As the Lord said to Simon Peter, “Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” The enemy desires the same for you, my friend, if you are indeed a tool the Lord is using. The wonderful thing is that Jesus is our advocate and stands in our defense just as He told Peter, “But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail…”
Satan’s attacks can backfire on him though. The Lord also said, “…and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” When we come running back to Jesus from such an attack, His grace and mercy restores our faith and energy. We are once again excited and even more committed to fight the good fight and come alongside our brothers and sisters in the faith.
Have you recently felt beaten up by the enemy of your soul? Cheer up and run back to the Lord! Be encouraged and tell your brothers and sisters to do the same. After all, we’ve been warned ahead of time.
– Pastor Jack