NOTE: This is a devotional I wrote on September 8, 2008.
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)
For the past several months, I have been going through an intense time of emotional stress. Add to that personal illness and spiritual warfare, and you get a mental picture of what I have been experiencing. I am thankful to God for fellow Christians who have not stopped praying for me during my recent ordeal.
Jesus reminded Peterthat he was going to experience a period of testing in his faith. Satan was going to attempt to destroy Peter's confidence and personal testimony. When Peter denied Jesus three times, it looked as if Satan was going to succeed. However, Jesus's prayer for Peter's faith to not fail was answered. Peter was restored in proper fellowship with the resurrected Jesus Christ. Later, on the day of Pentecost, Peter gave the first evangelical message in which at least 3,000 people got saved by God's grace.
My encouraging word to you reading this devotional is this: When you are going through a "faith crisis", don't give up. Jesus has prayed for you (see John 17) that your faith will not fail. Despite the difficulty you are facing, God will strengthen your heart. My prayer is that your faith will become stronger as a result of the challenges you face in life.
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)
For the past several months, I have been going through an intense time of emotional stress. Add to that personal illness and spiritual warfare, and you get a mental picture of what I have been experiencing. I am thankful to God for fellow Christians who have not stopped praying for me during my recent ordeal.
Jesus reminded Peterthat he was going to experience a period of testing in his faith. Satan was going to attempt to destroy Peter's confidence and personal testimony. When Peter denied Jesus three times, it looked as if Satan was going to succeed. However, Jesus's prayer for Peter's faith to not fail was answered. Peter was restored in proper fellowship with the resurrected Jesus Christ. Later, on the day of Pentecost, Peter gave the first evangelical message in which at least 3,000 people got saved by God's grace.
My encouraging word to you reading this devotional is this: When you are going through a "faith crisis", don't give up. Jesus has prayed for you (see John 17) that your faith will not fail. Despite the difficulty you are facing, God will strengthen your heart. My prayer is that your faith will become stronger as a result of the challenges you face in life.