“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:” Luke 22:31.

You pray, meditate, seek to be humble before God…and yet trouble finds it way in-regardless to what you do. The Bible gives us the account of Jesus’ disciples who had walked, fellowshipped, and learned of Him for nearly three years, and yet trouble, imminent danger was just ahead as He prepared to leave them; Jesus Spoke these words to Peter knowing that he would soon deny him… “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:” Luke 22:31.

The arch enemy of the human soul…was waiting, calculating to make his next move; his greatest desire was to have all of the disciples and destroy them…he had already overtaken Judas Iscariot, and was heading for the remainder…but Jesus being omniscient, lovingly warns Peter of Satan’s plan to devour him- and even in  the midst of the warning was a blessed assurance of the Lord’s protective care. “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32.

Satan’s desire to devour and destroy the children of God is just as real today as it was over two thousand years ago; but the words of assurance in Jesus’ intercessory prayer for His disciples, stands for every last one of His beloved children…we can find great encouragement in these truths… notice Jesus’ prayer… “that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”  It was for strength in faithfulness and gave the assurance that the victory was already accomplished– and when thou art converted…not if but when!

My friends, Jesus is God, and He is omnipotent…there is absolutely nothing that the adversary of our souls can do to us without God’s permission- He has the ultimate plan for all of His beloved children; “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 1:9.

Remember the account of Job…” And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 2:3.  

Yes, Satan will stay on his job to devour us, trials and tribulations will come in every way possible, be it spiritual, physical, mental, financial, you name it…but we have the victory in Jesus! “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37.

We can find rest in the promises of God…Jesus spoke these words as He was lifted off the mountain into Heaven the day of His ascension… “and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20b.

We have a command to spread the good news, stay strong, keep working, strengthen our fellow brethren in the faith and know that when the road gets mighty tough, as it will sometimes… He will never leave us nor forsake us… He is with us every step of the way- Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord God Almighty is closer than the very air that we breathe!

God blessings of strength, peace, and grace all throughout this day.