Sifted (Part 1)

Sifted (Part 1)

The Greek word for "sift" is "siniazo", which means to "agitate inwardly to try one's faith to the point of overthrow."

Peter was not deceived concerning Satan:

-He knew what it meant to wrestle with the powers of darkness. 

-He knew what it was like to be tested and tried. 

-He knew what it was like to be involved in one-on-one combat with the enemy.

Yet, Jesus warned Peter in Luke 22:31, 32:

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 

Jesus cautioned Peter saying, “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” Although Peter was forewarned, he was not prepared for his encounter with the enemy. He was filled with pride and overconfident in his own strength. Pride is one of the main strategies Satan uses to deceive believers. You think you can stand in your own strength.

Peter declared, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me” in Luke 22:33, 34. Peter failed and suffered a major setback. He denied the Lord and refused to stand with Him in His greatest hour of need. Peter lost a battle, but he did not lose the war. He eventually repented and rose up from failure to become a key leader in the early church.

You may feel like you are being “sifted like wheat.” Perhaps the very foundations of your faith are being tested. You may feel weak and on the verge of giving up. Do not do it! Right now, in the Name of Jesus, resist Satan. You have the power and authority to do so. Do not rely on your own natural strength. God has placed the Holy Spirit within you, giving you power over all the power of the enemy. Draw upon that tremendous spiritual strength right now.

Your position during every test, trial, and temptation should not be one of fear, discouragement, or weakness. Your position in every circumstance should be one of power, confidence, and victory knowing that as you submit to God and resist Satan, he will flee from you according to James 4:7. Jesus resisted Satan in the wilderness temptations and was one hundred percent victorious. That same power is resident within you. That is why you can say with confidence, “Get behind me, Satan!” and he will flee from you.

Don't succumb to the deception of the enemy. You are not to be hiding or running in fear from Satan. He is supposed to be fleeing from you! Satan wants to sift you like wheat, but Jesus has already prayed for you to be an overcomer: 

John 17:9; 15 "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine...I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."