May 12, 2022 - Luke 22:31-32

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 NLT

Lord, being sifted by Satan is never an easy thing. When wheat is sifted the grain separated from the chaff. It feels like we are being broken apart. But Lord, we recognize how you use the process. It is only through the sifting process that we get the grain needed to make bread and so many other foods. The wheat on its own without the sifting process doesn’t do us much good, but after it has been sifted it can provide us with life. Lord, knowing that, we thank you for allowing the sifting times in our lives. You take what Satan means to destroy us and use it to grow and transform us into disciples who can help you provide others with life.

Lord, remind us of this fact when we are going through the painful processes. When we don’t understand what is happening to us. When we just want it to stop, and we want to be allowed to go back to the way that we were. Open our eyes to gain a little understanding of what is really happening. Just like you told Simon Peter that what he went through would strengthen others, help us accept the fact that what we are going through will allow us to help others as well. Help us cling to you and not push you away in these seasons. Help us realize that they are caused by Satan and not you. Help us understand that even though they are hard seasons, you allow them to strengthen us. We thank you that you are right there with us even if we can’t clearly see you. You are carrying us though. You are interceding on our behalf and you long to see us succeed and not fail. We praise you for these things, Jesus! We thank you that you are still good even in the sifting.

In Jesus name, amen.