SIFTED LIKE WHEAT

The apostle Peter was not deceived concerning Satan’s power. He knew what it meant to wrestle with the powers of darkness. He knew what it was like to be tested and tried. He knew what it was like to be involved in one-on-one combat with the enemy. Jesus had warned him,

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32, NAS).

Notice Jesus told Peter, “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” Before Satan can come against God’s people, he must have God’s permission. God allows these times of testing to perfect and strengthen you so that you will stand fast in persecution.

Although Peter had been forewarned, he was not prepared for this encounter with the enemy. He was filled with spiritual pride and overconfident in his own strength. He told Jesus, “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 22:33-34, NIV).

Filling our hearts with spiritual pride is one of the strategies Satan will use to defeat us. You know the story, Peter was unprepared. He failed to resist and stand firm against Satan so he suffered a setback. He lost a battle but he did not lose the war.

There are some of you reading this who are being “sifted like wheat.” Your faith is being tested. Today, you may feel weak and on the verge of giving up. I tell you, in the Name of Jesus, resist Satan. You have the power and authority. Don’t rely on your own natural strength. God has placed the Holy Spirit within you, giving you power over all the power of the enemy. Draw upon that Holy Ghost power!

Your position during every test, trial, and temptation is not fear, discouragement, or weakness; it is one of power, confidence, and victory knowing that as you resist Satan, he will flee from you (James 4:7). Just as Jesus, full of the Holy Ghost, resisted Satan in the wilderness and was victorious, through that same power you can say to the enemy, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” and he will run from you.

My prayer today is that the Church will begin to receive a new revelation of the powerful position God has planned for us in these last days during the trials, testing, and persecutions that are to come. We are not to be fearful, hiding, or running from the enemy; the enemy is supposed to be running from us!