“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift 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
Does Satan have a bullseye on your back? Hang tight, Jesus has prayed. We must believe that no testing comes as a surprise to God. As with Job, Satan needs permission, and unless we give up or give in, we will come through it. Satan, in the same chapter, found a willing participant in Judas, the Bible says he entered into Judas. But with Peter, he asked for permission. Love must be tested. For it to be pure, it has to pass through the fire.
Peter was adamant about not ever denying Jesus. The Lord knew he was sincere, but He also knew that human love cannot stand up without Him. The desire to do the right thing is not enough, as most of us, like Peter, have found out. Christ in us, gives us a fighting chance. Satan knew Peter was all mouth, he knows our vulnerabilities. But his testing is no match for Jesus’ prayer for us. Did Peter fail? Yes he did! Miserably so, but the prayer that Jesus prayed, brought him back stronger than before the testing. See Acts 2-3.
So what about the bullseye that’s on our back? How are we responding to our failures as believers in Jesus Christ? Have we succumbed to the disappointment like Judas or have we held to the promise of Jesus? The Bible says “He, Jesus, ever lives to make intercession for us.” Hebrews 7:25 that means, not once in a while but constantly and consistently, never ending. We are surrounded by the power of Jesus’ intercession. The enemy may get permission to test us, but he doesn’t have the power to possess or control us.
The reason for the testing may be unknown, but the passing and subsequent work in response to the testing, produces in us the ability to help strengthen others in their testing. Testing is not allowed in order to destroy us, but to prove us. Our words, and testimony to others will be tested. COVID has been a real proving ground for most Christians. All the things we’ve been sharing with others concerning our walk with Jesus is being tested in this season. Things like; He’s healer, provider, faithful, peace, joy, etc. Have they been able to see that faith at work in us? Or are they scratching their heads wondering if everything we’ve told them was just pure emotion because everything was going great? The time of demonstration isn’t in good times but during the test time.
Peter found out. And the results were devastating for him. He did the very thing he was confident he’d never do. But Jesus, knowing all things, had prayed in advance. Fear not! We will be targeted by the enemy, but Jesus is praying. Draw confidently on that promise. In our flesh, we will fail. But in Him we overcome. In the same way that we cannot move to the next level without testing in the natural, we cannot be trusted with greater responsibilities spiritually without passing the test. That’s how we find out what we’re made of. We don’t want to be all talk. I’m sure we’ve all heard or used the phrase, “put your money where your mouth is,” well put your faith where your words are. Practice what you preach.
I’m not advocating that you don’t walk in wisdom in whatever circumstances you may find yourself in, but walking in the opposite direction of what we’ve been telling the world is blatant hypocrisy. Fear is not becoming to us. We fear COVID more than we fear God. There’s a difference between arrogance and confidence. Arrogance speaks to pride in the flesh, confidence speaks of faith in Someone greater than ourselves. Peter had faith in Peter to keep his word. Sincere, but misplaced confidence is a recipe for disappointment. Jesus knows who we are. This is why He sent us a Helper, Strengthener and Sustainer. Now instead of relying on our flesh, we say, “with the help of the Holy Spirit” we will do such and such.
How do we prepare for testing? We study. We study God’s Word and pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the Word to us. The entrance (understanding) of His Word enlightens us. It prepares us for what lies ahead. Jesus, the Word, tried warning Peter, but he was too proud to receive the warning. The Word is our constant warning as well as preparation for the things we’ll face. We will only be shocked and taken off guard if we have not been reading and heeding His Word. It’s truly amazing how Satan singled out Peter. I know some translation reads “all of you” but Jesus spoke specifically to Peter. Regardless, Peter was the one he chose to test openly. The greater our responsibility in the kingdom, the greater the testing. Satan seeks to discredit our testimony, he seeks to disqualify us. But Jesus has prayed in advance that our faith or confidence will not fail.
So my friends, stay on the offensive, stand ready. We’re not immune to the enemy’s attacks. But we cannot be defeated. It’s never more than we can bear. Peter came through and we will too. Hold fast to your confidence in Christ. Don’t lean to your own understanding. We overcome victoriously through Christ alone. Permission granted...but...Jesus is praying.
It’s time to pray...enter into the throne room and find your Abba waiting with open arms, with Jesus at His right hand interceding for you...
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant