"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32
What a frightening thought. Satan asked to sift Peter as wheat. I wonder how many times Satan has stood before God and inquired about me? And I wonder how many times Jesus has prayed on my behalf.
The interesting thing is: Jesus didn't pray against the sifting. He prayed that Simon's faith would withstand the test. My guess is that Jesus has often prayed the same for me. Sifting has a purpose. It separates the coarse from the fine. Ultimately, it purifies, but the process of refinement can be a painful one.
Lord, do I have what it takes to strengthen my brothers after the sifting? Or will I be ashamed by my lack of faith? You know the many times I have been sifted. You know the lessons I have learned through failure, then those I learned through turning back to You. But I am afraid. I fear rejection. I fear the sieve awaits me again.
Purify my heart, so I may follow You. Purify my heart, so You may be glorified!