Sifted
by Brady Mathis

Luke 22:31-32

31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” 

I think we do not have the concept that Satan knows us.  It can be hard to grasp because it must be spiritually discerned and understood, however it is a reality.  Just as Satan asked for Peter by name - perhaps by character or nature - as he asks also for us.  God says, "Go ahead."

Satan exploits our weakness.  He knows our humanity and frailty and engineers a crucible for us; a series of thoughts, emotions, and circumstances designed for one thing:  destroy faith in God.  Yes, Satan wants to steal your joy and he wants to spoil God's blessing on your life, but most of all, he wants your faith shaken.  He wants to plant a seed into your heart that will slowly grow and cut you off from your help - from God.

Peter boldly declared that he would sooner die than leave Jesus, yet his lion's heart left him when he was sifted, and he was cowed by a servant girl.  Here is where the real test is found.  We tend to want to fixate on the failure and thereby step into the trap laid for us by Satan.  A deplorable thought is formed in your mind, "I cannot overcome."  If left unchecked, this is the seed of ultimate failure that will take root and drain away the effectiveness of your faith.

The key in this moment is to focus on the eternal truth of God's word.  With men it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible!  Even the apostle Paul cried out at the understanding of his true carnal nature, "Who will deliver me from this body of death?"  Fortunately for us, he also answered this question! :)  Thank God for Jesus Christ!  And, thank you to Jesus Who told Peter that He has already seen the work of the enemy and has established a way of overcoming ahead of time.

This way of overcoming is simply the choice to believe God.  To "think redemption", as Mrs. Mathis has been saying recently.  Hello?  I could preach.  We choose victory or defeat by what we allow to remain in our thoughts.  As Paul said, "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."  It really is as simple as that.  When you mind the things of the Spirit, you move toward God and become more like Christ.  Sifting makes you stronger because it forces a choice and the more you choose life, the more your life is founded on eternity.  

Right thinking plants the seed of truth in your heart which, when nurtured, grows up to overcoming life.