July 4, 2019

July 4

Running with Jesus

Luke 22:31-32  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

      Here is a word we do not like to hear "sift". Sifting was used to separate the flour from unwanted particles like the chaff and stones. It was done by shaking and tossing and the wind blowing. It was not an easy process. And It took long hours of tiring work.

     Notice Satan is before God asking to do this to Peter like he had Job. 

     Peter would fail to live up to his word.   However, there is a “ but” !  But Jesus prayed for Peter's faith to not fail and afterwards he would use his sifting to strengthen his brethren.

     We don't like sifting and many times resist going through them. However, I have found mercy, compassion, and understanding are developed in our lives and as Christ comforts us we use our own hardships to minister to others in this rat race of life. Remember we all have times of sifting, but God will use us to strengthen a brother going through tough times too. “For Such A Time As This!”

Lord, strengthen us as we go about serving others. Use my sifting to help others find hope and strength that You supply us. Help us recognize while we are going through sifting we are not alone and You will help us.

      So if you are in a time of sifting don't give up, God will use it to do a greater work in your life! Just hold on He will bring you through! Just jog in place in the fog! 

Tomorrow: Spiritual warfare is about to start!

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015