“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
The power of God is brought to bear in a person’s life when someone prays for them!
It’s easy to focus on the first part of this verse and get all caught up in the idea of God giving Satan permission to sift Simon Peter like wheat. But the outstanding truth of this verse comes next!
Yes, Peter, it is a terrible thing to be “sifted” by Satan, “BUT I have prayed for you”! Jesus knew that praying for Peter was not just “hoping out loud”. He knew that when he prayed for Peter, he was getting actively involved in Peter’s life. He knew that God the Father would respond to his prayer for Peter and that Peter would come through the trial in direct response to his prayers.
Jesus didn’t say, “If you make it through.” No! he said, “When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
God’s reminding you today that you can get actively involved in the circumstances of people in your family, or next door, or on the other side of the world, through prayer!
Ask God: which two people would you like me to focus prayer on today? Write their names here—then pray expectantly!
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