Let’s just say I “had a lot going on.” It was the kind of ‘lot going on’ that left me still and prayerful as opposed to my often frazzled “doing.” During prayer one morning, I saw a clear mental image of sifting – junk on top – good stuff going through a sieve, like when cleaning out a kitty litter box. That’s not the kind of thing that had happened to me before, but I know I didn’t imagine it! I went straight to the Word and read:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
Luke 22:31-34
Then, I read about sifting in Bible times. Every result I found online used words not only like “to separate,” but also “violent shaking,” “beat down,” “pulverized.” Sounds a bit threatening if you apply that to yourself!! The Greek word used for sift in Luke 22 comes from Strong’s Concordance #G4617 “to sift, shake in a sieve: i. e., dropping the figure, by inward agitation to try one’s faith to the verge of overthrow, (Luke 22:31).”
Notice that Luke 22 says that Satan wanted to sift them all, and at least to some extent, surely He did, considering all they faced in the days of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Jesus spoke specifically to Simon (Peter), though, and comforted and encouraged him despite the news of sifting. Peter was quick to assert that it would all be okay! He would even die if he needed to. . . but Jesus knew what would really happen. What a mixture of thoughts and feelings for Peter, as well as you and me. We can break a few things down clearly though –
- Satan wants to sift us and in the process stop us from living out our purpose. If we don’t “turn back” after a failure or trial as Peter did, our enemy succeeds.
- God allows some sifting to happen.
- Jesus intercedes for us, knows what lies ahead, and doesn’t despair in our failures.
- All things work together for good! (Romans 8:28) Jesus later appeared to Peter and Peter did indeed “strengthen his brethren.” He went on to preach and see many souls saved.
What was the Lord trying to sift out of Peter’s life? Overconfidence / pride? What is He sifting from mine? Yours? Whatever it is, Jesus is praying for us and His plans are good plans, even though the process will likely be painful! What comes through on the other side will be pure and useful, like grain!
Devotional by Heather Cornett
