Sifted

Luke 22: 31-32  “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of 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.”

Such a small verse but so much insight in it. 

First of all it reminds us that satan can't touch us without God's permission. Satan is out to steal, kill and destroy, yet God is still in control. 

Secondly Jesus prays for us. He is for us, not against. He is pulling for us to push on through the hard times and finish our race.

Third, He knows we are going to fail Him. After all, we are human and He loves us despite our shortcomings.

Fourth, and my favorite, He wants to use whatever it is that has knocked us down to encourage others.

So many times after a valley season in our life we feel defeated, and like there is no possible way that God could use us now. However, That is exactly WHY He can use us. Because we can relate to others. He wants to use us, to encourage others who may be facing the same things that we faced and have become victorious over. Who is better to minister to an addict than an ex-addict? Who is better to encourage a couple to hang on during a problem in their marriage than someone who has had problems in their marriage? 

I almost have a major panic attack thinking of God wanting me to share my sins and past with people. Like, pass me a bag to hyperventilate into- panic!! No part of me ever wants to bear certain parts of my life to random people, however, I pray that if the day ever comes that God asks that of me, that I will be able to. 

After all, where would I be without others being willing to be vulnerable with me.