“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22: 31-32
Bible study helped me to face some of the challenges that were present in my life. God’s forcing open doors I didn’t necessarily want opened, but needed to open. God dealt tenderly with each one and helped me to come to terms with many of the things that hindered my walk with Him. God allows Satan to sift His children. Peter learned a hard but valuable lesson when Satan was allowed to test him. He was a stronger witness and advocate of the Gospel because he had been through this trial. As with any trial, we often find that our strength alone is not sufficient to stand against temptation or Satan’s attacks. I daily find that I fail miserably because I have relied upon myself instead of soliciting divine guidance.
Are you going through a trial that has you wondering where God is or why you have to suffer this way? Remember God allows circumstances so that we will grow stronger in our faith and learn to trust Him. God uses Satan to sift us. The lessons we learn may provide us with just the right words or thoughtful understanding when we see someone else struggling in the same way. Take time to seek what God has to teach you. Persevere and remember that God promises never to leave you, never to forsake you and never to give you more than you can bear.
Prayer
Oh Lord, I know that Satan will test and tempt me everyday but I know that I only have to call on Your Name and Your Word and Your Guidance to defeat him (Romans 10:13). Bless me with the discernment I need to deal with day-to-day situations.
