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
In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus tells Simon Peter that Satan has asked to sift each of the disciples like wheat. This phrase is a metaphor for Satan's desire to test their faith and make them fall.
Jesus addressed Peter as representative of all and reassured Peter that He has prayed for him, so that his faith does not fail, and when Peter has turned back, he should strengthen his brothers.
Here are a few key takeaways:
Satan seeks to test the faith of believers, often targeting those who are most vocal or prominent in their faith.
Jesus is aware of these attacks and intercedes on behalf of believers, praying that their faith does not fail.
Despite these attacks, Jesus is confident that Peter will return to his faith and then be able to help others who are struggling.
There is a spiritual warfare that believers regularly face and Jesus plays the central role in interceding for them. Perseverance in faith and the role of community in supporting each other during times of testing are critically important in our lives.
You are living through a spiritual war, but you are not alone. Jesus loves you and Jesus prays that you do not fall.
—Faith
Prayer of the Day
Dear Lord, I come before You today to seek Your divine protection and strength in the face of spiritual warfare. The enemy is strong, but I know that You are stronger. I pray that You would equip me with the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, so that I may stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
I pray that You would guard my heart and mind, protecting me from the lies and temptations that the enemy uses to try to separate me from Your love. Help me to remember that my battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I ask that You would give me the wisdom to discern between good and evil, and the courage to choose Your way, even when it is difficult. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may have the strength to resist temptation and the power to overcome the enemy.
I pray that You would surround me with Your angels, who will fight on my behalf and protect me from harm. I trust in Your promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against Your church, and I claim that promise for my life today.
Thank You for Your love and faithfulness, and for the victory that You have already won through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.